Ternary system cationic copolymer (dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate: Butyl methacrylate)/thioglycolic acid doped copper tungstate nanocomposite for environmental remediation and pathogen control supported by molecular docking analysis

Abstract

2 and 4 wt % of cationic copolymer (dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate: butyl methacrylate) designed eudragit (Eud) with a fixed quantity of thioglycolic acid (TGA) doped copper tungstate (CuWO₄) nanocomposite (NC) were prepared using a co-precipitation approach. A range of characterization techniques was employed to analyze the structural, optical, and compositional characteristics of prepared NC. XRD analysis confirmed the monoclinic and anorthic crystal structure of CuWO₄, addition of Eud and TGA resulted in increased crystallinity of CuWO₄. FTIR spectra verified the presence of vibrational modes related to CuWO₄. The electronic spectra demonstrated an increased absorption window and redshift with Eud and TGA, leading to the reduction in bandgap energy (Eg). FESEM analysis elucidates the flakes and rod-like structures on the surface of CuWO₄ with dopants. 4 wt % Eud/TGA-CuWO₄ revealed a significant reduction of methyl orange (MO) dye in a neutral medium. Furthermore, the bactericidal effectiveness was tested against S. aureus, demonstrating a remarkable inhibition zone (7.35 mm). The mechanism behind the bactericidal action of TGA-CuWO₄, Eud/TGA-CuWO₄ NC against DNA gyrase S. aureus (Gram + ve) was studied using molecular docking.