Antibacterial mechanism of biogenic calcium oxide and antibacterial activity of calcium oxide/polypropylene composites

In this study, biogenic calcium oxide (CaO) was developed as a natural antibacterial agent. After the thermal treatment of waste scallop shell powder, a CaO antibacterial agent was obtained. In addition, the crystal phase and morphology of the calcined product were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The antibacterial mechanism indicated that the alkaline environment caused by CaO hydration plays a vital role in the antibacterial action, in addition to the secondary sterilization of reactive oxygen species (ROS) by ·OH. CaO/polypropylene (PP) composites were prepared to examine the effectiveness of CaO as a bactericidal agent. Results revealed that the addition of CaO enhances the antibacterial activity of the composites and renders low toxicity. Such an eco-friendly natural inorganic antibacterial material demonstrates potential application prospects for sterilization.