Antifungal graphene oxide-borneol composite

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Mycology

Background:

• Graphene oxide (GO) and its derivatives are well-studied for antibacterial properties.
• Antifungal properties of GO-based materials are less explored, despite the public health threat of fungal contamination.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design and synthesize a graphene oxide-borneol (GOB) composite.
• To evaluate the antifungal efficacy of the GOB composite against fungal adhesion and growth.

Main Methods:

• Esterification of borneol with thiomalic-acid-modified GO sheets to create the GOB composite.
• Microscopic analysis to observe fungal spore adhesion and growth on GOB and control surfaces.
• Assessment of long-term antifungal effects by monitoring spore germination over time.

Main Results:

• The GOB composite exhibited distinct antifungal activity, unlike unmodified GO.
• Significantly reduced fungal spore adhesion and growth were observed on the GOB surface compared to controls.
• Fallen spores on GOB did not germinate even after 5 days, indicating a sustained antifungal effect.
• Carbon stereochemistry was identified as a key factor in antifungal adhesion, more so than wettability.

Conclusions:

• The developed GOB composite demonstrates potent and long-lasting antifungal properties.
• GOB represents a promising candidate for a graphene-based antifungal agent.
• This study provides crucial insights into the interaction mechanisms between fungi and graphene-based materials.