Influence of Mg doping level on morphology, optical, electrical properties and antibacterial activity of ZnO nanostructures

Abstract Despite multiple research approaches, bacterial contamination and related infections are still serious issues in health care, which demand advance antibacterial agents. In this context, ZnO nanomaterial is of special interest due to its significant antibacterial activity and non toxic nature towards healthy cells. However, its antibacterial activity needs to be enhanced for various applications. Here, we report the antibacterial activity of Mg doped ZnO nanostructures towards Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria. It is found from antibacterial assay that all the synthesized nanostructures inhibit almost 90% growth rate of both bacterial strains. In vitro test clearly suggests that prepared nanostructures show antibacterial activity towards both bacterial strains. In case of S. aureus, undoped and Mg doped ZnO nanostructures produce same zone of inhibition (ZOI) i.e. 10 mm. However, in presence of undoped ZnO, bacterial strain shows quick re-growth. Interestingly, the re-growth initially slows down with the increase in Mg doping level and then vanishes in presence of 10% Mg doped ZnO nanostructures.