One-Step Synthesis of Biocompatible Thiosemicarbazone Functionalized Copper Oxide Nanoparticles: Evaluation of Enhanced Antibacterial Activity

Abstract

Organic–inorganic hybrid bioactive nanomaterials were sonochemically synthesized by covalent anchoring of 2-acetylpyridine thiosemicarbazone on the surface of CuO nanoparticles using two different approaches. The CuO-based nanoparticles were characterized by a combination of physico-chemical and spectroscopic techniques. The synergetic bactericidal activity of CuO and thiosemicarbazone moieties in prepared nanomaterials was tested in vitro using the zone inhibition methods against Gram positive and Gram negative bacterial strains. Additionally, the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimal bactericidal concentration (MBC) were also determined. Results prove that CuO and functionalized CuO nanoparticles synthesized by the sonochemical method in present study show improved antibacterial activities and they could be used in the design of more efficient antibacterial materials for pharmaceutical applications.