Synthesis of CuO/TiO2/ZnO Ternary Nanocomposites using Zea mays Corn Silk Extract: Exploring their Antibacterial Activities

Background: The biosynthesis of nanocomposites using plant extracts has gained attention as a sustainable alternative to traditional chemical methods. Among these, the synthesis of ternary metal oxide nanocomposites remains relatively unexplored. Objective: This study reports, for the first time, the green synthesis of CuO/TiO2/ZnO (CTZ) ternary nanocomposites using Zea mays (corn silk) extract, aiming to develop an eco-friendly material with enhanced antibacterial properties. Methods: CTZ nanocomposites were synthesized via a plant-mediated route and characterized using UV-Vis spectroscopy, Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and X-Ray Diffraction (XRD). Energy-Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDX) was employed to determine elemental composition. Results: Characterization confirmed the successful formation of stable, spherical CTZ nanocomposites with an average particle size of 31 nm. XRD analysis revealed distinct crystalline phases of CuO, TiO2, and ZnO, while EDX confirmed the presence of Cu, Ti, Zn, and O, verifying the purity. Antibacterial assays demonstrated strong activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Klebsiella pneumoniae, with the highest inhibition (30 mm) observed against E. coli. The CTZ NCs outperformed the individual metal oxide nanoparticles, suggesting a synergistic antibacterial effect. Conclusion: The green-synthesized CTZ nanocomposites exhibit promising antibacterial and preliminary antibiofilm properties. Their enhanced efficacy highlights the potential of plant-based synthesis routes in developing effective antimicrobial agents, which merit further investigation. conclusion: The biosynthesized CTZ NCs demonstrated enhanced antibacterial activity due to the synergistic effects of CuO, TiO₂, and ZnO. Preliminary findings also suggest promising antibiofilm properties, warranting further investigation