Silver-, calcium-, and copper molybdate compounds: Preparation, antibacterial activity, and mechanisms

Developing novel compounds with antimicrobial properties can be an effective approach to decreasing the number of healthcare-associated infections, particularly in the context of medical devices and touch surfaces. A variety of molybdate powders (Ag2MoO4, CaMoO4, CuMoO4 and Cu3Mo2O9) were synthesized and characterized, and Escherichia coli was used as a model gram-negative bacterium to demonstrate their antimicrobial properties. Optical density measurements, bacterial colony growth, and stained gel images for protein expression clearly showed that silver-and copper molybdates inhibit bacterial growth, whereas CaMoO4 exhibited no bactericidal effect. All tests were performed in both daylight and darkness to assess the possible contribution of a photocatalytic effect on the activity observed. The main mechanism responsible for the antibacterial effect observed for Ag2MoO4 is related to Ag+ release in combination with medium acidification, whereas for compounds containing copper, leaching of Cu2+ ions is proposed. All these effects are known to cause damage at the cellular level. A photocatalytic contribution to the antibacterial activity was not clearly observable. Based on the pH and solubility measurements performed for powders in contact with various media (ultrapure water and bacterial growth medium), silver molybdate (Ag2MoO4) was identified as the best antibacterial candidate. This compound has great potential for further use in hybrid powder-polymer/varnish systems for touch surfaces in healthcare settings. Published by the AVS.