Complexation of copper(II) with chitosan nanogels: toward control of microbial growth

Pure chitosan nanogels were produced, used to adsorb copper(II), and their antimicrobial activities were assessed. The complexation of copper(II) with chitosan solutions and dispersions was studied using UV-vis spectrometry. The adsorption capacity of chitosan nanogels was comparable to that of chitosan solutions, but copper(II)-loaded nanogels were more stable (i.e. no flocculation was observed while chitosan solutions showed macroscopic gelation at high copper concentration) and were easier to handle (i.e. no increase in viscosity). Adsorption isotherms of copper(II) onto chitosan were established and the impact of the pH on copper(II) release was investigated. The formation of a copper(II)-chitosan complex strongly depended on pH. Hence, release of copper(II) can be triggered by a decrease in pH (i.e. the protonation of chitosan amino groups). Furthermore, chitosan nanohydrogels were shown to be a suitable substrate for chitosan hydrolytic enzymes. Finally, a strong synergistic effect between chitosan and copper in inhibiting Fusarium graminearum growth was observed. The suitability of these copper(II)-chitosan colloids as a new generation of copper-based bio-pesticides, i.e. as a bio-compatible, bio-active and pH-sensitive delivery system, is discussed.