Photocatalytic and antimicrobial efficacy of Fe doped CuO nanoparticles against the pathogenic bacteria and fungi.

Pathogenic microbes are becoming a potential threat to human beings and environment. Owing to the biofilm forming ability, multidrug resistant pathogens have emerged, which has led to increased death and mortality rate. CuO is a transition metal oxide with high captivating property used for various technological applications such as superconductors, gas sensors, photocatalytic applications etc. CuO in the form of nanoparticles (NPs) is a potential candidate against microbial pathogens. Recently, the antimicrobial and antibiofilm properties of CuO have been tested against various pathogenic bacteria and fungi. In the present study, Fe doped CuO synthesized using sol-gel method was tested against pathogenic bacteria and fungus. The synthesized NPs were characterized using XRD, FTIR, SEM and EDAX analysis. The photocatalytic activity of the Fe doped CuO NPs was analysed using UV–Vis and fluorescent light spectroscopic analysis (FL). In vitro analysis was performed to analyze the antimicrobial and antibiofilm potentials of Fe doped CuO NPs against the pathogenic bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis) and fungus (Candida albicans). Therefore, the present study is the first report showing both antibiofilm and antibacterial activities of Fe doped CuO NPs against bacterial and fungal pathogens.