Synergistic Potential of Metal Nanoparticles Infused with Activated Carbon: Unveiling Antimicrobial and Photocatalytic Powers

Abstract

Plants used for medical purposes have always had a significant impact in a variety of contexts across the globe. A kind of plant known as Mukia maderaspatana can only be found in environments that are warm and humid year-round. It is well-known for the medicinal virtues that it has and has been used for this purpose since ancient times. In the present investigation, the selected plant served as the raw material for the production of activated carbon. In addition to that, the plant was used to integrate nanoparticles of metals like cerium and manganese into the material.  In the field of biological research, characterization methods such as UltraViolet visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis), X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) are often used. The metal nanoparticles and activated carbon-doped metal nanoparticles were tested for their ability to inhibit the growth of Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Aspergillus niger, and Aspergillus flavus. The results showed that both types of nanoparticles have antibacterial and antifungal properties. The photocatalytic activity of the nanoparticles was studied, and the results showed a promising degrading activity at varied concentrations of nanoparticles over a certain amount of time.