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Updated: May 13, 2026

An Antimicrobial Fabric Using Nano-Herbal Encapsulation of Essential Oils

An Antimicrobial Fabric Using Nano-Herbal Encapsulation of Essential Oils

Published on: April 7, 2023

Chitosan-thioglycolic acid as a versatile antimicrobial agent.

Georg Geisberger¹, Emina Besic Gyenge, Doris Hinger

¹Institute of Inorganic Chemistry, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, CH-8057 Zurich, Switzerland.

Biomacromolecules

|March 9, 2013

Summary

Low molecular weight chitosan-thioglycolic acid (LMW-TGA) shows potent antimicrobial activity against bacteria and fungi. This chitosan derivative effectively disrupts microbial cell walls and intracellular structures, indicating its potential as a broad-spectrum antibiotic.

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Area of Science:

Biochemistry
Microbiology
Materials Science

Background:

Functionalized chitosans are promising candidates for novel antibiotic development.
Chitosan derivatives like trimethyl chitosan (TMC), carboxy-methyl chitosan (CMC), and chitosan-thioglycolic acid (TGA) have been explored for antimicrobial properties.

Purpose of the Study:

To evaluate the antimicrobial activity of representative chitosan derivatives in neutral media.
To investigate the cellular mechanisms underlying the antimicrobial effects of the most potent derivative.

Main Methods:

Colony forming assays were used to quantify antimicrobial activity against Streptococcus sobrinus, Neisseria subflava, and Candida albicans.
Confocal and transmission electron microscopy were employed to visualize cellular interactions and ultrastructural changes.

Main Results:

Low molecular weight chitosan-thioglycolic acid (LMW-TGA) demonstrated superior antimicrobial efficacy compared to TMC, CMC, and medium molecular weight TGA.
LMW-TGA achieved 100% killing of Streptococcus sobrinus and significant reductions in Neisseria subflava and Candida albicans within 30 minutes.
Microscopic studies revealed LMW-TGA attachment to microbial cell walls and severe disruption of cell integrity and intracellular structures.

Conclusions:

LMW-TGA exhibits significant broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive bacteria, Gram-negative bacteria, and fungi.
The mechanism of action involves disruption of microbial cell wall integrity and intracellular ultrastructure.
LMW-TGA is proposed as a promising candidate for the development of novel, effective antimicrobial agents.