Synthesis and potent antibacterial activity of nano-CuFe2O4/MoS2@Ag composite under visible light

Abstract

With antibiotic resistance on the rise due to misuse, the urgent need for new antibacterial materials has become paramount in global health. Herein, a CuFe₂O₄/MoS₂ (CFM) composite with a large specific surface area was synthesized through a simple hydrothermal method and physical adsorption, and the subsequent loading of silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) onto its surface yielded the nanocomposite CuFe₂O₄/MoS₂@Ag (CFMA) with a rough defect-rich surface. The nanocomposite demonstrates remarkable antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and drug-resistant Salmonella (T-Salmonella) by releasing metal ions that alter the electrical potential of bacterial cell membranes, compromise the integrity of cell membranes, and produce reactive oxygen species that lead to oxidative stress. It thus achieves an antibacterial rate of 96 % against the three tested bacterial strains within just 20 min at a concentration of 200 μg/mL. The composite exhibits a broad-spectrum antibacterial effect against Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria, as well as drug-resistant bacteria. Moreover, CFM acts as a carrier that effectively prevents the aggregation of Ag NPs, and the magnetism of CuFe₂O₄ facilitates the recovery of the antibacterial agent. This work provides new ideas and methods for the development of highly efficient, cost-effective, and biocompatible antibacterial materials.