Iron Oxide Nanoparticles (IONPs) are generally assumed to be biologically inert, presenting chemical stability and low toxicity, and they can be hybridized with cellulosic matrixes aiming for biological applications (e.g. nanozymes). Two hydrothermal coprecipitation methods were applied, aiming to produce 2 different size Iron oxide nanoclusters, using ferric chloride and ferrous chloride, as well as nitrocellulose and cellulosic residues for the hybrids. The obtained materials were tested for catalytic effect in comparison and in synergy with catalase-positive P. aeruginosa, S. aureus, and B. subtilis bacterial strains. The catalytic effect was observed for all obtained materials and microorganisms, Due to the bivalent and trivalent iron molecules distributed along IONP cubic crystalline inverse spinel structures. Michaelis-Menten constant (Km) of IONP-and hybrids was higher in synergy with S. aureus in comparison with the results obtained by the microorganism alone, for instance, the best enzymatic efficiency for O2 release from hydrogen peroxide among the tested microorganisms. However, no significant difference was observed for most of the obtained materials alone. On the other hand, IONPs may help microorganisms as mimetic catalytic enzymes, when applied in synergy whit them.

Nanoscale materials are unique materials with outstanding properties when compared to their bulk counterparts hence their exploration, fabrication and applications have gained remarkable attention in various fields of human endeavors such as environment, medicine, and engineering, amongst others.

In this paper, we propose a convenient methodology for fabricating a generic structure toward developing a robust, easy-to-clean transparent coating with inherent antibacterial properties for smooth, non-absorbent surfaces, such as glass and plastics. A two-step coating comprising an organopolysilazane primer and an alkoxysilane topcoat, based on positively charged quaternary ammonium silanes, is proposed. The topcoat is co-condensed with the primer to provide a hybrid structure with high wear strength even on surfaces that lack surface hydroxyl groups. Surfaces examined included glass and PMMA. The coated samples were studied in terms of abrasion resistance as well as anti-soiling and antimicrobial performance. It was found that the quaternary silane compound could covalently graft onto the primer acting both as an antibacterial, anti fungicidal, and hydrophobizing agent. The utility of amphoteric surfactants within the coating’s solution was also examined. The resulting structure was transparent and exhibited pronounced self-disinfecting properties with remarkable sustainability. These attributes suggested a dual functionality of the coating, i.e., both anti-soiling and antimicrobial, thus rendering it a potential candidate for numerous industrial and commercial applications.