Photodegradation of Ciprofloxacin-Zinc Complexes Produced at the Interface of ZnO and Cu-Doped ZnO Crystals

Author(s)

Tofanello, Aryane ^[1] ; Belleti, Elisangela ^[1] ; Brito, Adrianne M. M. ^[1] ; Nantes-Cardoso, Iseli L. ^[1]

Affiliation

^[1] Univ Fed ABC, Ctr Ciencias Nat & Humanas, Av Estados 5001, BR-09210580 Santo Andre, SP - Brazil

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: MATERIALS RESEARCH-IBERO-AMERICAN JOURNAL OF MATERIALS; v. 24, n. 6 2021.
• Web of Science Citations: 0

Abstract

Abstract Ciprofloxacin hydrochloride (CIPRO) is considered an emerging pollutant in aquatic environments with the capacity to disseminate antibiotic resistance. Considering the pro-oxidant potential of ZnO and Cu-doped ZnO (Cu-ZnO) wurtzite crystals, the potential Ciprofloxacin photodegradation by these materials was investigated. CIPRO titration with ZnO and Cu-ZnO promoted the formation of zinc complexes and ~4% antibiotic adsorption. The carboxylic groups of CIPRO can complex Zn2+ by promoting the nanoetching of ZnO and Cu-ZnO crystallite surfaces. The alkaline interfaces provided by ZnO create a microenvironment favorable for Zn2+ chelation by CIPRO carboxylates. The photodegradation degree was similar for CIPRO and CIPRO-Zn under UV light, as revealed by UV-visible spectroscopy and FTIR. Therefore, the ZnO and Cu-ZnO crystals contributed to the formation of CIPRO-Zn rather than the photo-oxidative degradation of the antibiotic. Considering that CIPRO-Zn chelates disfavor bacterial selection for resistance, the treatment of CIPRO-contaminated effluents with ZnO and Cu-ZnO can facilitate desirable metal chelation without impairing photodegradation. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 17/02317-2 - Interfaces in materials: electronic, magnetic, structural and transport properties
• Grantee: Adalberto Fazzio
• Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants