Cu-doped zinc oxide and its polythiophene composites: preparation and antibacterial properties

Cu-doped zinc oxide and its polythiophene nanocomposites were prepared by the Sol-Gel and in situ polymerization methods, respectively. The structures, morphologies and compositions of the samples were characterized. The antibacterial properties of the samples on three kinds of strains were determined by using powder inhibition zones, minimum inhibitory concentrations and minimal bactericidal concentrations. The study confirmed that the antibacterial activities of the composites were better than those of their each component. The antibacterial mechanisms of the samples were discussed further.