Zirconium-doped zinc nanocomposites (ZDZN): Preparation, characterization, and evaluation of antibacterial activity

Abstract

The present study focuses on zirconium-doped zinc nanocomposites (ZDZN), representing a novel class of materials with antibacterial and antifungal properties. This work involves the preparation, characterization, and evaluation of the antibacterial activity of ZDZN. Zinc oxide nanoparticles were doped with varying concentrations of zirconium ions to create nanocomposites using a simple precipitation technique. The structural, morphological, and chemical properties were investigated using EDS, TEM, SEM, and XRD analyses. The results indicated the successful incorporation of zirconium ions into the lattice of zinc oxide nanoparticles, resulting in nanocomposites with well-defined shapes and compositions. Agar diffusion studies were conducted to assess the antibacterial activities of the nanocomposites against various bacterial and fungal species. The findings revealed that ZDZN exhibited superior antibacterial activity compared to pure zinc oxide nanoparticles, attributed to the concentration-dependent effect of the zirconium dopant. Furthermore, the nanocomposites demonstrated excellent biocompatibility and stability, making them highly suitable for applications in biomedical devices and antimicrobial coatings.