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Chitosan-Functionalized Graphene Nanocomposite Films: Interfacial Interplay and Biological Activity
Natalia Wrońska1, Aicha Anouar2,3, Mounir El Achaby4
1Department of Industrial Microbiology and Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Lodz, 12/16 Banacha Street, 90-236 Lodz, Poland.
Materials (Basel, Switzerland)
|February 28, 2020
Summary
Functionalizing graphene oxide (GO) with different groups created novel chitosan-graphene nanocomposite films. These films showed enhanced mechanical, thermal, and antibacterial properties, demonstrating tunable functionalities for advanced materials.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Graphene oxide (GO) shows promise, but functionalized derivatives as fillers are underexplored.
- Limited studies exist on the thermal, mechanical, and biological impacts of graphene functionalization.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of graphene surface functionalization on nanocomposite film properties.
- To prepare and characterize chitosan-graphene films using modified GO fillers.
Main Methods:
- Post-modification of GO to create reduced graphene oxide (rGO), phosphorylated graphene oxide (PGO), and trimethylsilylated graphene oxide (SiMe).
- Fabrication of transparent, flexible chitosan-graphene films via electrostatic interactions and water evaporation.
- Evaluation of mechanical, thermal, and antibacterial properties against S. aureus and E. coli.
- Assessment of biological effects including hemolysis, catalase activity, and hemoglobin oxidation.
Main Results:
- All reinforced chitosan-graphene films exhibited improved mechanical, thermal, and antibacterial performance over pure chitosan.
- The functionalization of GO allowed for tuning of the nanocomposite film properties.
- Biological assessments revealed hemolysis, intracellular catalase activity, and hemoglobin oxidation.
Conclusions:
- Graphene functionalization offers a method to tailor properties of graphene-reinforced nanocomposite films.
- Customizable functionalities can be achieved through strategic graphene surface modification.
- These modified films hold potential for various advanced applications.
