High-Efficiency Biocidal Solution Based on Radiochemically Synthesized Cu-Au Alloy Nanoparticles
Eduard-Marius Lungulescu1, Radu Setnescu1,2, Eros A Pătroi1
1National Institute for Research and Development in Electrical Engineering ICPE-CA, 313 Splaiul Unirii, 030138 Bucharest, Romania.
Nanomaterials (Basel, Switzerland)
|December 24, 2021
Summary
Eco-friendly copper-gold nanoparticles (Cu-Au NPs) were synthesized using gamma irradiation. These stable nanoparticles demonstrate potent antimicrobial and antiviral properties, making them ideal for disinfecting contaminated surfaces and medical applications.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Sciences
- Nanotechnology
- Materials Science
Background:
- Nanoparticles offer novel approaches for treating infections and disinfecting contaminated surfaces.
- Contamination by viruses, bacteria, and fungi poses significant challenges in healthcare settings.
Purpose of the Study:
- To synthesize and characterize eco-friendly copper-gold nanoparticles (Cu-Au NPs).
- To evaluate the biocidal efficacy of Cu-Au NPs against various microorganisms and viruses.
Main Methods:
- Cu-Au NPs were synthesized in a one-step process using gamma irradiation in an aqueous system containing Cu2+/Au3+/Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate (SDS)/Ethylene Glycol.
- Nanoparticle formation was indicated by a color change to ruby-red and confirmed by UV-Vis spectroscopy.
- Particle size, shape, and zeta potential were analyzed to assess stability and characteristics.
- Biocidal activity was tested against Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Enterococcus hirae, Adenovirus type 5, Murine Norovirus, human Coronavirus 229E, and Candida albicans under dirty conditions.
Main Results:
- The synthesis yielded size-controlled, well-dispersed, and stable Cu-Au NPs with nearly spherical shapes (20-90 nm) and a zeta potential of -44 mV.
- UV-Vis spectra showed maximum absorption peaks between 524-540 nm, varying with copper concentration.
- A significant reduction in microbial load was observed: 5-log reduction for bacteria (S. aureus, P. aeruginosa, E. hirae), 5-log reduction for viruses (Adenovirus type 5, Murine Norovirus, HCoV-229E), and 4-log reduction for fungi (C. albicans).
Conclusions:
- Radiochemically synthesized Cu-Au alloy NPs exhibit high biocidal efficiency against a broad spectrum of bacteria, fungi, and viruses.
- These nanoparticles are suitable for use as disinfectants in decontaminating hospital surfaces and public areas with high microbial contamination levels.
- The eco-friendly, one-step synthesis method offers a scalable approach for producing effective antimicrobial nanomaterials.
