Exploring the biomedical and photocatalytic potential of copper oxide modified PdCo₂S₃–Mo₃S₆ nanostructures

This study reports the fabrication of CuO/PdCo₂S₃–Mo₃S₆ nanocomposite synthesized via hydrothermal method for integrated photocatalytic and antibacterial applications. The presence of nanoscale crystallinity within the monoclinic CuO and spinel PdCo₂S₃ was validated through XRD. SEM and TEM findings supported the theory of great interfacial contact, showing the morphological change from nanosheets to a dense granular form with CuO evenly distributed. Interpretations of BET patterns indicated a Type IV isotherm, with the surface area of the composite measured at roughly 115.6 m²/g and with mesopores at 4–6 nm. Under the influence of visible light, the composite demonstrated over 96.8 % of Bromothymol Blue (BTB) degradation with retention of at least 80 % degradation efficiency throughout a period of 6 reaction cycles. The composite also demonstrated antibacterial properties giving inhibition zones of 20 ± 0.12 mm against Staphylococcus aureus ( S. aureus ) and 18 ± 0.16 mm against Escherichia coli ( E. coli ) with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 25 μg/mL and 40 μg/mL, respectively, close to streptomycin (20 μg/mL). Although the material exhibited minimal hemolysis (<10.1 % at 150 μg/mL), suggesting good compatibility with red blood cells, additional investigation is required to fully determine its genotoxic profile and overall biological safety. These results demonstrate that CuO/PdCo₂S₃–Mo₃S₆ is a promising, stable, and safe multifunctional nanomaterial for visible-light-driven water purification and antimicrobial applications.