Synthesis of nanocurcumin conjugated titanium dioxide bio-nanocomposites for enhanced optical, electrical, and antibacterial applications

This study explores the synthesis of nanocurcumin (NCur) and its impact on the structural, electrical, and antibacterial properties of titanium dioxide (TiO₂) through a simple solvent-free mechanical mixing. FTIR confirmed NC-TiO₂ interactions, while UV–Vis spectroscopy showed a red shift and a reduced bandgap from 3.571 eV to 2.550 eV. XRD verified the crystalline retention of TiO₂. Morphological analysis using optical microscopy and FE-SEM showed uniform NCur dispersion in TiO₂ up to 6 wt%, beyond which agglomeration occurred. Electrical impedance studies demonstrated a 1.127-fold increase in conductivity at 100 Hz and a reduction in activation energy from 5.37 × 10⁻⁵eV to 5.00 × 10⁻⁵ at 6 wt% NCur. Additionally, the dielectric constant increased by 29 %, enhancing the material's energy storage potential. Antibacterial assays indicated that TiO₂/NCur bio-nanocomposites exhibited significant antibacterial activity against E. coli, increasing efficacy by 183.33 %. These multifunctional properties make TiO₂/NCur composites highly promising for applications in biosafe electronics, energy storage, and antibacterial technologies.