In situ synthesis and antibacterial activity of copper nanoparticle loaded natural montmorillonite clay based on contact inhibition and ion release

•In situ synthesis of highly stable copper nanoparticle-clay hybrids.•The composite showed increased antimicrobial efficacy based on physical interaction.•Biocompatibility studies with two human cell lines showed minimum adverse effects.•Applications include potential antimicrobial formulations.

Copper nanoparticle based clay composite has been synthesized by in situ reduction of a copper ammonium complex ion and characterized by different analytical instruments. The copper nanoparticles were both intercalated and adsorbed on the surface with diameters of <5 nm (for intercalated) and 25–30 nm (for adsorbed). The composite showed good stability for over 3 months in air. Excellent antimicrobial activity of the composite was observed on Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Enterococcus faecalis with mortality rates >90% after 12 h. Cellular membrane damage permeated by direct attachment of the composite and indirect damage caused by released copper ion are the primary sources of antibacterial action. Cytotoxicity measurements showed minimal adverse effect on the two human cell lines beyond the M.B.C. value for the microorganisms studied. In the present form the clay composite shows good promise for use in therapeutic applications.

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