A luminescent layered hybrid Ag-Ru/LDH as a photocatalytic antibacterial agent

Herein, ruthenium complex and silver nanoparticle-doped layered double hydroxides (Ag-Ru/LDH) nanomaterials were successfully fabricated via a self-assembly method, with the ruthenium complex as a photodynamic sensitizer doped in the interlayer of the LDH matrix and Ag nanoparticle as a co-antibacterial agent modified on the surface of LDH. The obtained Ag-Ru/LDH hybrid showed highly efficient fluorescent property and adsorbility. Along with the antibacterial activity due to the AgNPs and ruthenium, the hybrid showed better synergistic inhibiting effect towards the growth of drug-resistant E. coli and S. aureus under illumination. Fluorescence enhancement and strong bacteria inhibiting effect were achieved due to the novel structure and SPR energy transfer. Further, adsorption of the hybrid on the bacterial surface and changes in the bacterial morphology were observed. Moreover, degradation of the 1,4-beta-D-glucoside bonds of the cell wall by the excited Ru complex was attested. The mechanistic studies provide insight into the better understanding of the antibacterial activity of nanomaterials. Overall, these results indicate that the prepared nanomaterials may have potential applications as an antibacterial agent.