Modification of eggshell powder with in situ generated copper and cuprous oxide nanoparticles by hydrothermal method

The poultry waste of egg shells was cleaned and finely powdered which was subsequently modified with in situ generated copper nanoparticles (CuNPs) and cuprous oxide nanoparticles (Cu(2)ONPs) by one step hydrothermal method. The modified egg shell powder (MESP) was characterized by scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, x-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis and antibacterial tests. The MESP had in situ generated spherical CuNPs and Cu(2)ONPs in the size range of 50 nm to 120 nm. The spectral analysis indicated lowering of intensity of the peaks of MESP indicating the involvement of the functional groups of the protein component of ESP in the generation and stabilization of the nanoparticles. X-ray analysis indicated the generation of both CuNPs and Cu(2)ONPs in MSEP. The thermal analysis indicated lowering of the thermal stability for MESP. The MESP exhibited excellent antibacterial activity against both the Gram negative and Gram positive bacteria. Hence the low cost MESP with in situ generated CuNPs and Cu(2)ONPs can be used as antibacterial cleaning powder for houseware and also as antibacterial filler in the preparation of polymer composites.