Single step synthesis of gadolinium oxide nanorods decorated graphene oxide nanocomposites as promising bactericidal agents for the biomedical sector

An alarming rise in antimicrobial resistance has been brought on by the overuse of antimicrobial drugs, especially antibiotics. Consequently, there is an urgent need for new materials that can effectively eliminate pathogens and prevent the spread of infections. This study focuses on the synthesis of Gadolinium Oxide Nanorods decorated with Graphene Oxide based nanocomposites and the study of their potential applications as bactericidal agents. Scanning Electron Microscopy and Energy dispersive X-ray analyses of the Gadolinium Oxide Nanorods-Graphene Oxide based nanocomposite are done. Transmission Electron Microscopy confirmed the Nanorods morphology of nanocomposite. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy Analysis confirmed the strong absorption bands in the range of 3458–3466  cm⁻¹. The obtained X-ray diffraction peak of Gadolinium Oxide Nanorods – Graphene Oxide based nanocomposite has confirmed the crystalline structure of nanocomposite. The antibacterial mechanism of Gadolinium Oxide Nanorods – Graphene Oxide based nanocomposite against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria showed good efficiency with 13- and 15-mm inhibition zones. The Minimum Inhibitory Concentration and Minimum Bactericidal Concentration value of Gadolinium Oxide Nanorods – Graphene Oxide based nanocomposite was found to be 7.81 µg/mL and 31.25 µg/mL against E. coli and 31.25 µg/mL and 62.5 µg/Ml against S. aureus. Bacterial Morphology after Gadolinium Oxide Nanorods – Graphene Oxide based nanocomposite treatment was studied by SEM as to determine the probable mechanism of antibacterial activity. This research will provide an excellent theoretical and practical basis for the synthesis of Gadolinium Oxide Nanorods – Graphene Oxide based nanocomposite and their bactericidal properties.