Synthesis, Characterization, and Biological Evaluation of PbO/g-C₃N₄ Nanocomposite: A Multifunctional Material for Antimicrobial, Antioxidant, Anti-inflammatory, and Cytotoxic Applications
摘要
The PbO/g-C₃N₄ nanocomposite was successfully synthesized and extensively characterized to evaluate its structural, optical, and biological properties. The synthesis involves a two-step process: first, graphitic carbon nitride (g-C₃N₄) was synthesized using thermal polymerization of melamine, followed by the deposition of PbO nanoparticles via in-situ precipitation and heat treatment. X-ray diffraction (XRD) showed the successful integration of PbO onto the g-C₃N₄ matrix. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) revealed strong interactions between PbO and the nitrogen-rich functional groups of g-C₃N₄. UV–vis spectroscopy indicated a redshift in the absorption edge, suggesting bandgap modification and improved light absorption, which is useful for photocatalytic and biological applications. SEM and EDX spectroscopy demonstrated uniform distribution of PbO nanoparticles on g-C₃N₄ sheets, enhancing surface area and interfacial contact. Through BET and BJH measurements, which showed a notable increase in surface area and better mesoporous structure upon PbO integration, the effective synthesis of PbO/G-C₃N₄ nanocomposites was verified. The material's potential for high-performance catalytic applications was highlighted by the increase in surface area from approximately 36.2 m2/g to approximately 74.5 m2/g and the shift in pore size distribution towards a smaller mesoporous range (~ 12 nm). The biological evaluations revealed strong antibacterial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cytotoxic properties due to the synergistic actions of PbO and g-C₃N₄. The nanocomposite demonstrated broad-spectrum antibacterial activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, with increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) production contributing to bacterial cell membrane damage. The antioxidant activity, evaluated by DPPH tests, demonstrated considerable free radical scavenging capacity, confirming the composite's efficacy in neutralizing oxidative stress. PbO/g-C₃N₄ is a viable candidate for medicinal and environmental applications due to its ability to control inflammatory mediators and induce dose-dependent apoptosis on cancer cell lines.