Konjac Glucomannan hydrogel loaded with UIO-66 and silver: Antibacterial efficacy and dye adsorption

A composite hydrogel, consisting of Konjac Glucomannan (KGM), UIO-66, and AgCl nanoparticles, was developed. This KGM/UIO-66/AgCl hydrogel combines the biocompatibility of KGM, the large specific surface area and dye adsorption capacity of UIO-66, as well as the antibacterial properties of AgCl nanoparticles. The KGM/UIO-66/AgCl hydrogel effectively inhibited the growth of S. aureus, not only prevented the formation of biofilms but also eradicated already formed biofilms, showing outstanding biocompatibility to reduce the cell turbidity caused by bacterial growth. Additionally, the KGM/UIO-66/AgCl hydrogel demonstrated efficient absorption of various dyes, indicating its potential for the treatment of dye wastewater in an antibacterial setting.