Study of the antibacterial activity of hybrid nanocomposites “metal oxide/alginate” synthesized for therapeutic purposes

Bacterial infections pose a significant health challenge, leading to chronic ailments and high mortality rates. Antibiotic resistance due to improper usage necessitates novel antimicrobial solutions. Metal oxide nanoparticles, particularly in nanocomposites with sodium alginate, offer promising antibacterial properties. This study aims to synthesize and evaluate metal oxide/alginate nanocomposites for enhanced antibacterial activity. Metal oxide nanoparticles (ZnO, Ag2O, CuO, NiO, CoO, FeO, Fe2O3, Cr2O3) were synthesized using a precipitation method. Nanocomposites (MO-Alg) were formed by incorporating these nanoparticles into a sodium alginate matrix. The physicochemical properties, stability, and antibacterial activity of the nanocomposites were assessed through ATR-IR analysis, SEM imaging, granulometry analysis, and XRD patterns. Antibacterial tests were conducted against Gram-negative (Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli) and Gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis). Characterization revealed well-defined metal oxide structures (ATR-IR) within the alginate matrix. SEM images showcased uniform dispersion and distinctive rod-like configurations of metal oxide nanoparticles. XRD patterns confirmed crystalline phases. Antibacterial tests demonstrated varying efficacy, the lowest inhibition concentration for (G +) samples was 65 µg/ml for ZnO-Alg and Ag2O-Alg NCs. For (G-) samples, inhibition of P. aeruginosa was observed at 65 µg/ml with Ag2O-Alg, FeO-Alg, and Fe2O3-Alg, and for E. coli, inhibition was observed with all NCs except ZnO-Alg, with 65 µg/ml for Ag2O-Alg, NiO-Alg, FeO-Alg, and Fe2O3-Alg. The study successfully synthesized and characterized metal oxide/alginate nanocomposites with promising antibacterial properties. The nanocomposites exhibited stability and bactericidal effects, highlighting their potential for diverse biomedical applications, including wound dressings, medical implants, and packaging materials. The findings contribute to advancing nanomaterials in biomedical fields, encouraging further exploration and development.