Synthesis, description and antibacterial action of TiO2 and Ag-decorated TiO2 nanostructures.

The synthesis of pure TiO2 and Ag/TiO2 nanostructures (NSs) was accomplished by the use of a solvothermal approach in an environment that was both gentle and conducive to efficient development, with a low temperature of 120 °C and a relatively short reaction time of 2-4 hours. Analyzed were the samples using a variety of characterization methods, including X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), and a UV-Vis spectrophotometer. For the anatase or rutile phases of TiO2 to develop, the XRD data show that pH fluctuation between 5 and 10 possesses a critical role. In the Ag/TiO2 NSs samples, XRD measurements verified the existence of Ag NPs. The FESEM images demonstrated that the morphology of TiO2 NSs transformed from rather homogeneous nanoparticles to cauliflower-like formations as a result of changes in nutrient pH and growing period. The energy gap value shifted from 3.38 to 3.5 eV in the Ag/TiO2 NSs, according to the UV-Vis spectra. Several gram-positive and gram-negative microorganisms were examined for the antibacterial efficacy of the TiO2 and Ag/TiO2 NSs. With inhibition zones ranging from 0 to 12 mm depending on bacterium type, the results demonstrated that Ag/TiO2 NSs exhibited enhanced antibacterial efficacy against both strains. In addition, gram-positive bacteria were more effectively targeted by the Ag/TiO2 NSs than gram-negative bacteria. Overall, the study concludes that Ag/TiO2 NSs have greater potential as antibacterial agents compared to pure TiO2 NSs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]