Construction and synthesis of NiCo₂O₄ nanozyme for enhanced antibacterial performance

Developing effective and low-cost enzyme-like nanomaterials to kill bacteria is vital for human health. Herein, nanorod-assembled NiCo₂O₄microspheres were prepared though a facile hydrothermal method, andshowed highly enhanced peroxidase-like activity compared to pure Co₃O₄due to its large surface area and abundant active sites. The NiCo₂O₄possess the ability to catalyze H₂O₂to generate large amounts of •O^2-, which can be used for bacteriostatic applications. In particular, the antibacterial system combining the spiky NiCo₂O₄particles and a low concentration of H₂O₂(100<i>μ</i>M) exhibits an excellent bacteriostatic efficiency against both<i>Escherichia coli</i>(94.44%) and<i>Staphylococcus aureus</i>(93.45%).