Hydrothermal Generation of 3-Dimensional WO3 Nanocubes, Nanobars and Nanobricks, Their Antimicrobial and Anticancer Properties

Abstract

In our current endeavor, 3-dimensional (3D) tungsten oxide (WO3) nanostructures (nanocubes, nanobars and nanobricks) have been swiftly generated via hydrothermal route at 160 °C for 24 h. Physico-chemical characterization of the resultant powder revealed formation of WO3 nanostructures with predominantly faceted cube, brick and rectangular bar-like morphology. The present study was also aimed at exploring the antimicrobial and anticancer potential of WO3 nanostructures. Antimicrobial activity was tested against different micro-organisms viz., Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Escherichia coli and Aspergillus fumigatus. The antibacterial and antifungal activity was ascertained against these micro-organisms by measuring the diameter of inhibition zone in agar well diffusion test which revealed that the resultant WO3 nanostructures acted as excellent antibacterial agents against both bacteria and fungi but were more effective against the fungus, A. fumigatus. To examine the growth curves of bacterial cells, time kill assay was monitored for E. coli, against which significant antibacterial action of WO3 nanostructures was noted. The anti-cancer activity of WO3 nanostructures was found to be concentration-dependent against KB cell line by viable cell count method. In our pilot study, WO3 nanostructures suspension with concentration in the range of 10−1 to 10−5 mg/ml was found to kill KB cells effectively.