A novel nanocomposite based on mycosynthesized bimetallic zinc-copperoxide nanoparticles, nanocellulose and chitosan: Characterization, antimicrobial and photocatalytic activities

Background: Recently, nanomaterials have received much attention due to their important role in solving medical and environmental problems. In the present study, a novel nanocomposite based on mycosynthesized bimetallic zinc-copper oxides nanoparticles, nanocellulose, and chitosan was ready through an ecofriendly method. Characterization, antimicrobial and photocatalytic activities were evaluated. Results: The result revealed that the prepared nanocomposite exhibited antibacterial activity against Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, where MICs were 7.81, 31.25 and 62.5 lg mL-1. As well, the nanocomposite showed potential antifungal activity against Aspergillus brasiliensis where MIC was 7.81 lg mL-1, but had minimal antifungal efficacy against Cryptococcus neoformans and Candida albicans where the MIC was 250 lg mL-1 for each other. Furthermore, the nanocomposite had photocatalytic activity. The bimetallic and nanocomposite materials were characterized via physiochemical and topographic analysis. Conclusions: In conclusion, the prepared nanocomposite based on mycosynthesized bimetallic zinccopper oxides nanoparticles nanocellulose and chitosan has antimicrobial and photocatalytic activities which can be applied to various environments.& COPY; 2023 Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Valparaiso. Production and hosting by Elsevier B.V. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/).