A study on improving the antibacterial properties of palygorskite by using cobalt-doped zinc oxide nanoparticles

Naturally rich and cheap palygorskite (Pal) is an excellent carrier for environmental protection. In present study, Co-doped ZnO nanoparticles (Co-ZnO) were prepared and decorated on acidified palygorskite by a simple sol-gel method to improve the antibacterial properties of palygorskite. Compared with bare Pal, Co-ZnO/Pal nanocomposites exhibited excellent antibacterial properties, with a minimum inhibitory concentration of 3 mg/mL. This is largely due to the large amount of superoxide anions (O-center dot(2)-) and hydroxyl radicals (center dot OH) produced by Co-ZnO/Pal, and the morphology of palygorskite play an important physical piercing effect on the cell surface. This result opens up a new way for future functional clay materials.

Automated summary

In this study, Co-doped ZnO nanoparticles were prepared and decorated on palygorskite to enhance its antibacterial properties. The nanocomposites showed excellent antibacterial performance due to the production of superoxide anions and hydroxyl radicals by Co-ZnO, as well as the physical piercing effect of palygorskite on cell surfaces. This result paves the way for future functional clay materials.