Biopolymer-assisted in situ route toward Cu hollow spheres as antibacterial materials

Abstract Cu hollow structures (Cu HSs) were synthesized using gelatin B as a crystal growth modifier. The structures, phases and formation of Cu HSs were investigated by employing various techniques such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The Cu HSs had good antibacterial effects on Escherichia coli ( E. coli ) and Staphylococcus aureus ( S. aureus ). The products had different effects on the membrane of E. coli and S. aureus .