Advanced Zinc Oxide and Graphene Oxide Based Nanocomposite: Synthesis, Characterization and Their Antimicrobial Capabilities

In this work, advanced zinc oxide and graphene oxide-based nanocomposites were successfully synthesized, characterized, and studied for their antimicrobial capabilities for biomedical applications. Zinc nitrate hexahydrate and hexamethylenetetramine were used in a hydrothermal process at 90°C to synthesize the nanocomposites. Transmission electron microscopy confirmed ZnO nanoparticles dispersion on the GO sheets, indicating strong interfacial interactions, while X-ray diffraction analyzed the crystalline nature of the nanocomposite. The presence of functional groups was confirmed by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. The thermal studies were carried out by differential scanning calorimetry, and antimicrobial tests revealed strong antifungal efficacy against Aspergillus niger and antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. The enhanced antimicrobial performance is due to the combined effects of GO and ZnO-induced reactive oxygen species generation. Thus, the results highlight the successful synthesis of ZnO-GO nanocomposites and a promising multifunctional antimicrobial material suitable for biomedical applications such as wound healing and protective coatings.