Enhanced antibacterial properties and magnetic removal of Fe 3 O 4 /fenugreek seed gum/silver nanocomposites for water treatment.

This study reports the synthesis, characterization, and antibacterial activity of a novel Fe ₃ O ₄ nanocomposite coated with fenugreek seed gums and silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). To enhance the antibacterial properties of AgNPs and overcome the limitations of conventional methods for the production of three-component nanocomposites, a layer of natural polymer was used. Fenugreek seed gums (FSG) were used to coat Fe ₃ O ₄ NPs to prevent their decomposition and to facilitate the release of silver nanoparticles in aqueous media. The Fe ₃ O ₄ /FSG/Ag nanocomposites were characterized and then the antibacterial activity of the nanocomposites was evaluated against two gram-negative and two gram-positive bacteria and compared with Fe ₃ O ₄ , Fe ₃ O ₄ /FSG, FSG, and AgNO ₃ . The results showed that the Fe ₃ O ₄ /FSG/Ag nanocomposites had higher antibacterial activity than the other samples and could be easily removed from treated water by a powerful magnet without causing pollution in the environment. Overall, these findings suggest that the Fe ₃ O ₄ /FSG/Ag nanocomposites have potential applications in water treatment for their improved antibacterial properties and ease of removal.
Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper.
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