Preparation and characterization of hybrid antimicrobial materials based on Zn–Lu composites

The development of advanced functional materials, capable of providing effective antimicrobial activity, has a big demand from the contemporary society. Advanced functional antimicrobial amorphous silica composites (ASC) are prepared by using sol–gel process and modified by Zn ions and rare-earth element Lu. The preparation conditions are optimized by single-factor analysis, and as-prepared functional hybrids are characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction analysis, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), atomic adsorption spectrometry and inductively coupled plasma analyses. The presence of homogeneously mixed Zn and Lu, in the form of ZnO and Lu₂O₃, and dense micropores is confirmed by SEM and XPS. The amorphous structure and large surface area are beneficial for better antimicrobial performance. The as-prepared Zn–Lu ASC exhibited excellent antimicrobial properties against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. We demonstrate that the addition of rare-earth element, Lu, has rendered synergistic effect on antimicrobial properties by increasing the release of Zn ions and generating excess reactive oxygen species. The present study provides a mechanistic insight and novel approach to fabricate functional antimicrobial materials for a wide range of applications.