Evaluation and efficacy of metal oxides in terms of antibacterial activity and toxic chemical degradation.

Inorganic metal oxides Ag2O, CuO and ZnO were examined using SEM, XRD, TGA and ICP spectroscopy to analyze their structures and physical properties in terms of resistance to germs and toxic chemicals. Zone of inhibition testing and the plate-counting method were used in this study to examine the antibacterial activities of the metal oxides against Gram-negative Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa), and Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and Bacillus subtilis (B. subtilis). Furthermore, 2‑chloro‑ethyl ethyl sulfide (2‑CEES) was used to study the degradation efficacy of the metal oxides by the NMR method. The objective of the study was to develop and evaluate metal oxides that are able to protect against chemical and biological warfare agents. Excellent antibacterial and catalytic toxic chemical degradation properties were obtained.