Optimisation of Cobalt Oxide Nanoparticles Synthesis as Bactericidal Agents

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Increasing bacterial resistance necessitates novel biocompatible antimicrobial agents.
• Cobalt oxide nanoparticles (CoNPs) present a potential solution due to their inherent antimicrobial properties.

Purpose of the Study:

• To optimize the synthesis of cobalt oxide nanoparticles for maximal antibacterial efficacy.
• To investigate the influence of synthesis parameters on CoNP antibacterial activity.

Main Methods:

• Taguchi experimental design method was employed to optimize CoNP synthesis.
• Antibacterial activity was assessed using colony-forming unit (CFU) and disk diffusion assays.
• Nanoparticle characterization utilized Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM).

Main Results:

• All evaluated synthesis factors (cobalt nitrate concentration, KOH concentration, stirring time) significantly impacted antibacterial properties.
• Optimal antibacterial activity was achieved with 0.6 M cobalt nitrate, 2 M KOH, and 60 min stirring time.
• Characterization confirmed the formation of 24 nm cobalt oxide nanoparticles with a spinel structure.

Conclusions:

• Synthesized cobalt oxide nanoparticles exhibit potent antibacterial properties.
• These optimized CoNPs are suitable for developing antibacterial coatings and materials for dental and medical devices.