Publication

Abstract : In this study, a novel curcumin-coated, Sr and Co co-doped TiO₂ (TiO₂SrCoCur) nanoparticles (NPs) was synthesized via a sol-gel method and extensively characterized for its structural, morphological, optical, and antibacterial properties. XRD confirmed the anatase phase of TiO₂ with successful doping of Sr and Co, while FTIR and XPS analyses validated the presence of curcumin and functional surface groups. TEM analysis revealed spherical particles with an average size of approximately 36 nm, whereas DLS showed a larger hydrodynamic diameter of ∼224 nm due to agglomeration and solvation effects. UV–Vis spectroscopy exhibited characteristic absorption peaks at 230 and 286 nm, confirming the optical transitions influenced by doping and curcumin interaction. The TiO2SrCoCur NPs showed enhanced antibacterial activity against G+ and G- bacteria (S. aureus, B. subtilis, B. megaterium, K. pneumoniae, P. valgaris, and V. cholerae) and antifungal activity against C. albicans. Additionally, anticancer property against liver cancer HePG-2 cells is also studied, which shows significant cytotoxicity with IC50 of ∼7 μg/mL. A reasonable level of antioxidant activity is found when the Trolox equivalent study is used for analysis. As a result, the as-synthesized curcumin-coated Sr/Co-doped TiO2 NPs show adequate biocidal properties to be used as effective therapeutic agents against pathogenic bacteria, fungi, and liver cancer treatment applications.