Birjand University: Plant nanocatalyst for water antibiotics

September 26, 2026

Tech Xplore (Birjand University of Medical Sciences) Iran

Overview

Researchers at Birjand University of Medical Sciences have developed a plant-based magnetic photocatalyst capable of completely removing ciprofloxacin antibiotics from water under simulated sunlight. This nanocomposite combines magnesium iron sulfide (MgFe₂S₄) and cobalt bismuth oxyiodide (CoBiO₂I), two semiconductors. The technology shows promise for treating pharmaceutical-contaminated water as an eco-friendly and efficient solution.

In Depth

A research team at Birjand University of Medical Sciences has developed a plant-derived magnetic photocatalyst that successfully and completely decomposes the antibiotic ciprofloxacin in water under simulated sunlight. This innovative nanocomposite material holds the potential to offer a sustainable and efficient solution for treating pharmaceutical-contaminated water.

Technical Details

The developed nanocatalyst is a composite material combining two types of semiconductors: magnesium iron sulfide (MgFe₂S₄) and cobalt bismuth oxyiodide (CoBiO₂I). Each of these semiconductors possesses distinct light absorption and charge separation characteristics, and their combination allows for more efficient utilization of a broader solar spectrum, leading to higher catalytic activity.

Component Materials: Magnetic magnesium iron sulfide (MgFe₂S₄) provides magnetic properties, facilitating easy separation and recovery of the catalyst. Cobalt bismuth oxyiodide (CoBiO₂I) enhances visible light responsiveness and promotes photocatalytic reactions.
Photocatalytic Mechanism: When simulated sunlight irradiates the nanocomposite, the semiconductors absorb light energy to generate electrons and holes. These electron-hole pairs react with oxygen and water molecules in the water, producing highly oxidative reactive oxygen species (e.g., hydroxyl radicals). These reactive oxygen species then decompose ciprofloxacin molecules into harmless substances.
High Removal Efficiency: Experiments confirmed the complete removal of ciprofloxacin antibiotics from water under simulated sunlight, demonstrating the high efficiency of this method.

Background & Context

Pharmaceuticals like antibiotics are often not fully removed by conventional wastewater treatment plants, leading to their discharge into rivers and groundwater, which is a global problem contributing to environmental pollution and the emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Traditional physical and chemical treatment methods face challenges such as high costs, secondary pollution, and incomplete degradation. Photocatalytic technology, which utilizes solar energy to decompose pollutants, is anticipated as a low-environmental-impact and sustainable water treatment solution.

Strategic Significance & Outlook

This plant-based magnetic photocatalyst holds significant potential for application in purifying water bodies contaminated with antibiotics, such as hospital wastewater, pharmaceutical factory effluent, and domestic wastewater. Its magnetic properties facilitate easy recovery and reuse of the catalyst after use, also contributing to reduced operational costs. In the future, this technology is expected to help solve the problem of pharmaceutical contamination and contribute to securing safe water resources.

Source: https://bioengineer.org/plant-powered-nanocatalyst-destroys-ciprofloxacin-antibiotic-in-water-with-sunlight/

Get our weekly technology intelligence — free

Receive an infographic that lets you judge at a glance whether each field’s analysis report is worth reading.

Subscribe Free — Weekly Tech Intelligence

By subscribing, you’ll receive Troy-Technical’s weekly technology intelligence newsletter.