Abstract
Bacterial infections pose considerable health risks, emphasising the critical need for effective and biocompatible antibacterial drugs. Considerably, we developed an efficient antimicrobial system incorporating the combined potential of high-frequency ultrasound and antimicrobial drugs against bacterial infections. A ZnO-kaolinite (Kaol) composite with antibacterial properties was synthesised by growing ZnO on the Kaol nano-clay surface using the co-precipitation method. High-frequency ultrasound efficiently promotes the release of Zn(2+), which enhances the antibacterial properties. Furthermore, in-depth in vitro antibacterial studies and bacterial live/dead staining experiments validate the exceptionally high antibacterial performance of the composite. Therefore, owing to the synergistic effects of high-frequency ultrasound and antibacterial properties, the as-prepared novel antibacterial composite is a promising potential substitute for conventional antibacterial agents.