Vanadium pentoxide nanoplates: Synthesis, characterization and unveiling the intrinsic antibacterial activity

Abstract

This study reports the synthesis and characterization of vanadium pentoxide nanoplates (VnNp) with the unique shape. Electron microscopy identified morphological alterations on the bacterial surface of representative Gram-positive, Staphylococcus aureus and Gram-negative, Escherichia coli upon VnNp treatment. In addition, Raman spectral mapping also elucidated changes in the bio-molecular signals from these bacteria. Further, the study proved reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation in E. coli biofilms. Overall, the results envision the possible use of VnNp as a potential surface coating agent to impart antibacterial activity.