Studies on the Structure and Antimicrobial Activity of MgAl2O4:Tb3+ Nanophosphors Synthesized by Polymerised Sol-gel Method

Author: Deepa Rani S., Sajan P. Shamsudeen and Abhilash Kumar R.G.

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Abstract

Antimicrobial resistance is a global health challenge, prompting the search for alternative agents. The present study aims to investigate the antimicrobial activity of MgAl2O4:Tb3+ nanophosphor against E. coli, S. aureus, and C. albicans. Phase formation, surface characteristics, and antimicrobial activity were analyzed by X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and agar well diffusion method, respectively. XRD confirmed the successful Tb3+ incorporation, while XPS determined the charge states of the elements and confirmed the absence of impurities. The antibacterial studies indicate that increasing the concentration of terbium ions in the MgAl2O4 nanophosphor may further improve its antibacterial properties. While, at a concentration of 1000µg, MgAl2O4:Tb3+ showed significant inhibition of the growth of tested fungal organism. Therefore, these nanophosphors may be useful in food preservation, safe cosmetics, medical devices, water treatment, etc. Future research may further optimize their efficacy, biocompatibility, and application in targeted delivery system

Keywords

Nanophosphor, Terbium, XRD, XPS, Antimicrobial, Sol-gel combustion method

Conclusion

In conclusion, MgAl2O4:Tb3+nanocrystals were successfully synthesized using polymer assisted sol-gel combustion method, and XRD analysis confirmed the nearly complete crystallisation of the spinel phase. XPS studies further verified the charge states of the elements in the nanophosphor. Antibacterial studies demonstrated that increasing terbium ion concentration enhances the antibacterial properties of the nanophosphors. Furthermore, antifungal studies against C. albicans showed excellent antifungal activity of MgAl2O4:Tb3+ nanophosphor. These findings suggest that terbium-doped MgAl2O4 have significant potential for use in antimicrobial applications. Therefore, further research could focus on optimizing these nanophosphors for practical applications in biomedicine and environmental protection

References

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How to cite this article

Deepa Rani S., Sajan P. Shamsudeen and Abhilash Kumar R.G. (2023). Studies on the Structure and Antimicrobial Activity of MgAl2O4:Tb3+ Nanophosphors Synthesized by Polymerised Sol-gel Method. Biological Forum – An International Journal, 15(6): 939-942