Copper ferrite nanoparticles with antifouling activity

Currently, metal ferrites are promising yet under-researched narrow band gap semiconductors for preventing biofouling. In the present study, nanoparticles with copper ferrites content of 55, 85 and 95 % were synthesized by electrical explosion of iron and copper wires in mixed oxygen and argon atmosphere. CuFe2O4 content was ranged by the wires diameter. According to the X-ray diffraction analysis, an increase of iron content in the twist led to an increase of copper ferrite phase up to 95 %. Copper oxide (I, II) and copper phases also were found in nanoparticles. The XRD data showed a uniform distribution of Cu and Fe in nanoparticles. Nanoparticles with CuFe2O4 content of 85 wt. % showed the highest efficiency in Congo red degradation reaction under visible light irradiation (decolorisation efficiency of 72 %). Nanoparticles (85 wt. % CuFe2O4) showed a high antibacterial activity against antibiotic resistant MRSA ATCC 43300 (bacteria growth reduction by 98.7 %). Moreover, NPs were active against P. aeruginosa biofilm, thus making them potential antibiofouling agents for water-contact items.

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