Copper/Silver Bimetallic Nanoparticles Supported on Aluminosilicate Geomaterials as Antibacterial Agents

This study aims to understand how properties of modified aluminosilicate geomaterials influence the antibacterial performance nanocomposites when prepared with bimetallic nanoparticles (NPs). Copper/silver (Cu/Ag) NPs were synthesized in presence imogolite (Imo), montmorillonite (Mtt), or zeolite (Zeo) using a simple one-pot method and characterized for their crystal phases, micro- nanomorphologies, particle size, elemental composition, electrophoretic mobility. The activity was evaluated through minimum inhibition concentration assays Gram (−) Escherichia coli (+) Staphylococcus aureus bacteria. Deposition metallic Cu0, Ag0, cuprite confirmed Zeo_Cu/Ag Imo_Cu/Ag nanocomposites, whereas only Cu0 Ag0 identified Mtt_Cu/Ag. more uniformly distributed on Zeo Mtt than Imo. Particle sizes 28.1 ± 5.0, 9.4 2.3, 10.1 1.7, 12 1.3 nm determined Cu/Ag NPs, Imo_Cu/Ag, Mtt_Cu/Ag, Zeo_Cu/Ag, respectively. release rate Cu Ag ions from higher those pristine other two nanocomposites. antimicrobial action dose-dependent relation concerned materials stability medium. physicochemical characteristics resulted homogeneous distribution low oxidation agglomeration consequently increasing activity. Results this highlight benefits geomaterial support achieve high which could help reduce consumption pure salts NP-based applications.