Enhanced Antibacterial Activity of Co2O3 Nanoparticles Functionalized with Curcuma: A Synergistic Approach

The increasing threat of antibiotic resistance and the demand for eco-friendly nanomaterials have driven significant interest in metal oxide nanoparticles, particularly cobalt oxide (Co2O3), due to their unique structural, magnetic, and biological properties. In this study, Co2O3 nanoparticles were synthesized via chemical precipitation and functionalized with curcumin, a bioactive polyphenol with known antimicrobial and therapeutic potential. The nanomaterials were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), UV–Visible spectroscopy (UV–Vis), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), confirming the successful formation of spinel-phase Co2O3 and its surface modification by curcuma. Antibacterial activity was assessed against both Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus) and Gram-negative (Escherichia coli) bacteria using the disk diffusion method. Co2O3 nanoparticles exhibited moderate antimicrobial activity, which was notably enhanced upon functionalization with curcuma. Furthermore, combining nanoparticles with conventional antibiotics led to significantly increased inhibition zones, indicating a synergistic antibacterial effect. These findings highlight the potential of curcuma-functionalized Co2O3 nanoparticles as multifunctional agents in nanomedicine, environmental remediation, and pharmaceutical applications, offering a promising strategy for combating antibiotic-resistant pathogens while preserving beneficial microbiota.