Antibacterial Activity of GO, rGO, and Ag–rGO Nanocomposites Against Escherichia coli

ABSTRACT This research work focuses on the synthesis and detailed characterization of graphene oxide (GO), reduced graphene oxide (rGO), and silver‐reduced graphene oxide (Ag–rGO) nanocomposites for their effective applications in removing bacteria and antimicrobial activity. Characterization of the prepared nanocomposites was performed using UV–vis Spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared, X‐ray diffraction, and Field‐emission scanning electron microscopy. The findings substantiate the effective reduction of GO to rGO and efficient functionalization with silver nanoparticles. Antibacterial assessment against Escherichia coli ( E . coli ) revealed significant inhibition, with silver (AgNP)‐rGO showing the highest activity due to a synergistic interaction between silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and rGO. Ag–rGO exhibited the highest antibacterial activity, with an inhibition zone of 14 ± 0 mm against E . coli , whereas GO and rGO showed inhibition zones of 3.33 ± 0.23 mm and 6.33 ± 0.29 mm, respectively. Physical disruption of the cell membrane impairs bacterial inhibition and induces oxidative stress by generating reactive oxygen species, thereby affecting various cellular components. These results demonstrate the potential of Ag–rGO as a capable nanomaterial for environmental and biomedical applications, including bacterial removal and water purification.