A versatile chitosan/ZnO nanocomposite with enhanced antimicrobial properties

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Biotechnology

Background:

• Chitosan membranes are widely used but often require enhanced antimicrobial properties.
• Nanoparticles, such as zinc oxide (ZnO), offer potential for improving material functionality.

Purpose of the Study:

• To fabricate a porous chitosan/ZnO nanocomposite membrane with improved antimicrobial and antifouling activities.
• To investigate the structural and optical properties of the synthesized nanocomposite.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of porous chitosan membrane using silica particles and casting method.
• Green synthesis of nano ZnO using tung ting oolong tea extract.
• Characterization using XRD, SEM, FT-IR, UV-visible, and fluorescence emission analyses.
• Testing antibacterial and antifouling activities against Gram-negative (Klebsiella planticola) and Gram-positive (Bacillus subtilis) bacteria.

Main Results:

• Successful incorporation of nano ZnO into the chitosan matrix, forming a nanocomposite membrane.
• Observed blue shift in UV-visible spectrum and reduced fluorescence emission intensity in the nanocomposite.
• Demonstrated significant inhibition of bacterial growth by the chitosan/ZnO nanocomposite compared to pure chitosan.
• Showed higher susceptibility of Gram-negative bacteria (K. planticola) to the nanocomposite's inhibitory effects.

Conclusions:

• The synthesized chitosan/ZnO nanocomposite membrane exhibits enhanced antibacterial and antifouling properties.
• Incorporation of nano ZnO into the chitosan matrix improves physical properties, making it suitable for diverse applications.