Studies on Catalytic and in Vitro Cytotoxicity Effects of ZnO Nanorods Containing Ag and Their Structural, Morphological, and Antimicrobial Properties

Abstract

Zinc oxide (ZnO) and Ag-doped ZnO nanoparticles were synthesized using a soft chemical route, and their properties were characterized using various techniques, including X-ray diffraction (XRD), high-resolution scanning electron microscope (HRSEM), energy dispersive X-ray diffraction spectroscopy (EDS), and high-resolution transmission electron microscope (HRTEM). The ZnO ([Formula: see text]O (where [Formula: see text], 0.02 and 0.03) exhibited a hexagonal Wurtzite structure, and Ag doping resulted in the formation of nanorods with decreased grain size. The synthesized materials were found to have antimicrobial properties against human pathogenic bacteria and fungi. MTT assays showed that Ag-doped ZnO had higher cytotoxicity against human embryonic kidney cancer cell lines (HEK 293) compared to pure ZnO. The samples also demonstrated active activity towards the catalyst for the selective oxidation of alcohols. Finally, a statistical model was developed for antibacterial studies using ANOVA, which was consistent with the experimental findings. These results demonstrate the potential of Ag-doped ZnO nanoparticles for use in biomedical and catalytic applications.