Citronellol-functionalized natural silica: a biogenic approach for antifungal and antibacterial material applications.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

New bioactive hybrid materials to prevent biofilm-induced biodeterioration are a significant challenge in indoor environments, where contaminants from microbial films compromise structural integrity and contribute to air pollution, posing health risks from prolonged exposure to biological agents.

Methods

For the first time, diatomaceous earth or diatomite (Dt) was functionalized with quaternary ammonium salt (QAS) and a biogenic compound, citronellol, to develop a bioactive hybrid material (Dt*QC). The hybrids obtained were characterized by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The antifungal and antibacterial activity were assessed by agar d

SUBMITTER: Lopez GP 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11821633 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature