It was reported previously that Mg(OH)(2) nanoplatelets are effective antibacterial agent [1]. This paper further studied the mechanism study of Mg(OH)(2) nanoplatelets against Escherichia coli. Both experimental results and SEM analysis indicated that the membrane of the bacterial cell was destroyed by the direct contact with the Mg(OH)(2) nanoplatelets, leading to the cell death. In addition, UV illumination could further improve the antibacterial efficiency of Mg(OH)(2) nanoplatelets. Compared with other nanoparticles, it was also found that Mg(OH)(2) nanoplatelets have higher antibacterial efficiency, implicating their great potential application in biological control. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.