Abstract
Bio-inspired synthesis is a novel and attractive environmentally friendly route to generating inorganic materials. In this work, the preparation of CeO2 NPs using egg white and investigation of their antibacterial properties both in liquid and solid growth medium against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus bacteria were reported. The CeO2 nanoparticles were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Field emission transmission electron microscope (FETEM), UV-Vis, Raman, and antibacterial measurements. The results from XRD and TEM analysis showed that the prepared nanoparticles were a single phase in the nano regime (5-7 nm) with spherical shape and uniform size distribution. Optical properties reflected the characteristics peaks of CeO2 in the UV-Vis range with a bandgap similar to 2.80 eV. The antibacterial activity of the synthesized NPs was achieved under ambient conditions with different bacteria and the results showed that the properties were different for both the bacteria. The highest activity with an inhibition zone of about 22 mm against S. aureus was obtained as compared with the 19 mm zone of inhibition obtained with E. coli. This finding will be of major significance that indicates a possibility to develop CeO2 NPs as antibacterial agents against extensive microorganisms to control and prevent the spread and persistence of bacterial infections.