Antibacterial studies on Acinetobacter baumannii in the dark using g−C3N4 thin films synthesized by the electrophoretic deposition method

The g-C 3 N 4 (g-CN) thin film proved to be effective in decreasing bacterial resistance. The g-CN thin films were prepared from g-CN powder by a simple and reproducible electrophoretic deposition (EPD) method. The thin films were deposited using g-CN powders with positive charges on the stainless steel (Ss) mesh as the substrate by applying a high voltage. Five synthesized powders with different calcination times were used to prepare various films under the same sonication conditions and EPD performance. The thin film prepared from g-CN powder in a 3 h calcination time displayed the highest antibacterial activity against Acinetobacter baumannii ( A. baumannii ). For this powder, different films were formed by varying the time of deposition. XRD , BET, AFM , and SEM analyses were used to characterize the films. The results of the live-dead assay, protein/nucleic acid leakage analysis, and SEM imaging confirmed a loss of cell membrane integrity, with a more pronounced effect observed for the g-CN thin film compared to the Ss mesh. BET and AFM analyses were obtained for specific surface area and surface roughness, 248.9 m²/g and Ra = 490, Rq = 570 nm, respectively, for optimum thin film. The obtained results have demonstrated that the g-CN thin film sample prepared by powder in 3 h calcination with an electrodeposition time of 20 min had the best performance and antibacterial effect.