The present work describes the synthesis and properties of nanomagnetic polymer composites (MPCs) comprising iron oxide nanoparticles as a filler and polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP) as polymer shell. The iron oxide nanoparticles were synthesized under alkaline medium using iron (II) salt. The nanocomposites were synthesized through free radical polymerization under microwave (MW) irradiation. X-ray diffraction reveals the uniform dispersion of iron oxide nanoparticles into polymer matrix. Furthermore, scanning electron microscopy images ensure the development of polymer shell around the nanomagnetic core. The magnetic behaviour of MPCs was studied through vibration sample magnetometry. The thermal durability of MPCs was assessed through simultaneous thermogravimetric-differential thermal analysis-differential thermogravimetry. With MW power ranging 25 to 100 W, the polymerization reactions were progressed resulting in MPCs with improved yield over neat PVP.
The present study presents the development of a standard protocol for detection and screening of nanoparticle(s) for their antimicrobial activity with particular reference to organophilic montmorillonite (Ommt). For this purpose, Ommt nanoparticles have been synthesized through cation exchange of commercial montmorillonite (K10) with a cetyl pyridinium bromide. The formation of Ommt has been ascertained through UV-visible, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction spectra, and transmission electron microscopy. Subsequently, "zone of inhibition" and "bacterial killing" assays were performed by incubating the four Gram-negative test bacteria with Ommt, to determine antimicrobial activity and reduction in colony forming unit per mL (confirmative test), respectively. The developed assay will provide an easy approach over conventional disc diffusion antibiotic sensitivity test, to study the impact of different nanoparticles against different bacterial species.
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