Nd‐Doping‐Induced Enhancement in the Antibacterial Activity of Synthesized ZnO Heretostructures

Abstract Highly metal oxide heterostructures are well known for their high effectiveness toward the growth of many pathogens. ZnO oxide was widely studied for this purpose; however, the doping effect on its antibacterial properties is still not satisfactory. In this context, the present work aimed to prepare a series of mesoporous ZnO doped with different neodymium (Nd) loading using a ball‐milling method and examine their antibacterial activities against gram‐positive and gram‐negative pathogens. All as‐synthesized materials were characterized by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electronic microscope coupled with elemental mapping (SEM‐EDS), infrared spectroscopy (IR) and nitrogen adsorption‐desorption analysis (BET). The results exhibited a successful formation of mesoporous Nd‐doped ZnO composites with a homogeneous distribution of Nd on the surface of ZnO. Antibacterial behavior of Nd‐doped ZnO composites was performed against gram‐positive and gram‐negative bacteria strains: Methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (SARM) P637, Enterobacter aerogenes P1260and Klebsiella oxytoca BU9399. Antibacterial activities results proved the bacteriostatic properties of prepared Nd‐ZnO composites. In particular, a strong potency against Klebsiella oxytoca BU9399 was recorded with MIC and MBC values of 2 and 2.67 mg/mL, respectively. Therefore, the present work recommends an important kind of material that could be used as a protective antibiofilm coating formed by human pathogenic bacteria. Nd‐doped ZnO composites were found to be a good candidate for antimicrobial application and possible antioxidant and anti‐imflammatory evaluation in biomedical sector.