Antibacterial Activity of Plasma-Treated Cu-Bentonite Nanocomposites

Copper (Cu) ions were successfully loaded in a bentonite matrix via ion-exchange method producing the Cu-Bentonite nanocomposites. Samples were treated using 13.56 MHz radio frequency (RF) plasma system with argon (Ar) and oxygen (O₂) gases at varying input power (30 and 80 W) and constant treatment time of 10 min. X-ray diffraction patterns revealed the presence of Cu metal after the plasma treatment of samples. SEM images confirmed the changes onthe surface of the nanocomposites after plasma treatment. The untreated and treated Cu-bentonite nanocomposites showed effective antibacterial activity against E. coli and S. aureus. The nanocomposite can be used for biological as well as biomedical applications due to its antibacterial capabilities. (paper)