Synthesis of MWCNTs/CuO nanocomposites using azadirachta indica leaf extract for antimicrobial application

Pure and multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) doped CuO nanocomposites were synthesized by non-toxic and eco-friendly biological method using Azadirachta Indica leaf extract as a green surfactant. The synthesized nanostructures were characterized by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence (EDXRF) and transmission electron microscope (TEM) techniques. Antimicrobial activities of nanocomposites were evaluated for gram negative Escherichia Coli (E. coli) bacteria as test strains by well-knownagar well diffusion method. To propose a suitable antimicrobial mechanism, we have also investigated the effect of precursors (MWCNTs solution and Azadirachta Indica leaf extract) concentrations used in the synthesis process on antimicrobial activities. Our experimental results clearly showed that reactive oxygen species (ROS) on the MWCNTs/ CuO nanocomposites surfaces played a crucial role in antimicrobial action.