Synthesis, characterization, and antibacterial activity of Sol-gel-derived ZnO–CuO hybrid nanocomposites against Pseudomonas aeruginosa | ||
| Microbes and Infectious Diseases | ||
| Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript, Available Online from 23 September 2025 | ||
| Document Type: Original Article | ||
| DOI: 10.21608/mid.2025.402930.3014 | ||
| Authors | ||
| Wathiq N. Alwan* 1; Haider H. E. Al-Magsoosi2; Thuraya Khaled Abdulwahed2 | ||
| 1Renal Dialysis Department, College of Health and Medical Techniques, University of Kut, Wasit, Iraq | ||
| 2Department of Medical Physics, College of Science, University of Kut, Wasit, Iraq College of science, Iraq | ||
| Abstract | ||
| Background: The escalating threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in Gram-negative pathogens, particularly Pseudomonas aeruginosa, underscores the urgent need for novel antibacterial agents. Metal oxide nanocomposites, such as ZnO–CuO hybrids, have emerged as promising alternatives due to their ability to generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) and disrupt microbial membranes. Aims: This study aimed to synthesize ZnO–CuO hybrid nanocomposites via the sol-gel method, characterize their structural and morphological properties, and evaluate their antibacterial efficacy against clinical isolates of P. aeruginosa. Methods: ZnO–CuO nanocomposites were synthesized at three molar ratios (75:25, 50:50, and 25:75 ZnO:CuO) using zinc nitrate, copper nitrate, and citric acid as precursors. The resulting gels were dried and calcined at 500°C. Structural characterization was performed using X-ray diffraction (XRD), and morphology was analyzed by field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). Antibacterial activity was assessed using the disk diffusion assay and resazurin-based microdilution method to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and sub-MIC. Results: XRD analysis confirmed the coexistence of hexagonal ZnO (JCPDS 36-1451) and monoclinic CuO (JCPDS 48-1548) phases, with crystallite sizes ranging from 25 to 55 nm. FESEM revealed spherical and semi-spherical nanoparticles, with increased agglomeration observed at higher CuO content. The 75% ZnO–25% CuO composite exhibited the strongest antibacterial activity, with the largest inhibition zone (20.66 ± 0.57 mm) and the lowest MIC (384 µg/mL), indicating a synergistic effect. Conclusion: The sol-gel-synthesized ZnO–CuO nanocomposite, particularly at a 75:25 ratio, demonstrates significant antibacterial activity against P. aeruginosa, likely mediated by enhanced ROS generation. These findings support its potential as a novel nanotherapeutic agent for combating multidrug-resistant infections. | ||
| Keywords | ||
| Hybrid nanocomposites; Zinc oxide; Copper oxide; Sol-gel method; Antibacterial activity | ||
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