Characterization and Evaluation of Layered BiWO Nanosheets as a New Antibacterial Agent.

: Pathogenic microorganisms are causing increasing cases of mortality and morbidity, along with alarming rates of ineffectiveness as a result of acquired antimicrobial resistance. BiWO showed good potential to be used as an antibacterial substance when exposed to visible light. This study demonstrates for the first time the dimension-dependent antibacterial activity of layered BiWO nanosheets. : The synthesized layered BiWO nanosheets were prepared by the hydrothermal method and characterized by powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and Raman and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Antibacterial and antibiotic-modulation activities were performed in triplicate by the microdilution method associated with visible light irradiation (LEDs). : BiWO nanosheets were effective against all types of bacteria tested, with MIC values of 256 μg/mL against standard and resistant strains, and 256 μg/mL and 32 μg/mL against standard and resistant strains, respectively. Two-dimensional (2D) BiWO nanosheets showed antibacterial efficiency against both strains studied without the presence of light. : Layered BiWO nanosheets revealed dimension-dependent antibacterial activity of the BiWO system.