Synergistic antimicrobial properties of benzalkonium chloride with montmorillonite-loaded expanded graphite nanoemulsion

The aim of this research was to create a nanoemulsion that contains expanded graphite (EG) and azelaic–benzalkonium chloride–montmorillonite (azelaic–BAC–MMT) to improve its antibacterial and bioavailability. Using FT-IR, DLS, XRD, and FE-SEM, the nanoemulsions’ stability and dispersibility were enhanced by the addition of EG. Significant antimicrobial activity was shown in biological assessments against strains of fungi, Gram-negative bacteria (Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli), and Gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes). The combined effect of EG and azelaic–cetrimide–MMT resulted in increased antibacterial efficacy. The findings show that this new nanoemulsion has the potential to be a very effective antibacterial agent for use in environmental and medicinal applications. This study highlights a viable strategy for using material engineering and nanotechnology to take on microbial resistance.