Fostering Antibacterial Technologies for Dental Restorative Materials Using Highly Efficient Copper Oxide-g-C₃N₄ Nanocomposites

Objectives: The aim of this research is to address the rising problem of antibiotic-resistant bacteria by CuO-g-C₃N₄ (CgC) nanocomposites with improved antibacterial capabilities. The CgC nanocomposites are prepared via a hydrothermal synthesis, and their structural and morphological characteristics are confirmed by different analytical methods such as XRD, FTIR, SEM, and TEM. Detailed antimicrobial activity tests against a range of harmful bacteria will be used to assess the synthesized nanocomposites antibacterial capabilities and determine their suitability for use in biomedical applications.
Methods: A two-step process was used to create the CgC nanocomposites: first, CuO nanoparticles were prepared, and then they were integrated with g-C₃N₄. To verify structural characteristics by FTIR, SEM, TEM and XRD were used to characterize the CgC nanocomposites. By evaluating zones of inhibition at different concentrations, antibacterial activity against Aspergillus species and Candida albicans has been
evaluated.
Results: XRD examination of CgC nanocomposites demonstrated CuO nanoparticle incorporation into the g-C₃N₄ matrix. CuO diffraction peaks confirms monoclinic phase of CuO. In g-C₃N₄, large diffraction peaks about 27.3° corresponded to the (002) plane associated with conjugated aromatic system interlayer stacking, suggesting its graphitic structure. The FTIR and TEM confirmed the Cu-O and g-C₃N₄ functional groups and particles decorated sheets surface morphology. Assessment of antibacterial properties revealed substantial zones of inhibition, indicating potent activity against both tested pathogens (18 mm for Aspergillus species and 25 mm for Candida albicans), with greater effectiveness observed at higher concentrations.
Conclusions: The CuO-g-C₃N₄ nanocomposites display potent antibacterial characteristics, positioning them as promising candidates for diverse dental applications. Their heightened effectiveness against a wide range of bacterial pathogens, including resistant strains to antibiotics, highlights their potential in advancing healthcare technologies and combating the escalating threat of antibiotic resistance.