Improved antibacterial performance using hydrogel-immobilized lysozyme as a catalyst in water

Area of Science:

• Environmental science
• Materials science
• Biotechnology

Background:

• Silver nanoparticle (AgNP) catalysts are widely used for bacterial disinfection in drinking water.
• AgNPs present challenges including secondary contamination and high costs.
• There is a need for safer, more economical, and highly effective antibacterial agents for water treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate a novel hydrogel-immobilized lysozyme (h-lysozyme) as an alternative antibacterial agent for water purification.
• To assess the antibacterial performance, stability, and reusability of h-lysozyme.
• To compare the efficacy of h-lysozyme with traditional silver nanoparticle catalysts.

Main Methods:

• Immobilization of lysozyme within a hydrogel matrix.
• Evaluation of antibacterial activity against Gram-negative (Escherichia coli) and Gram-positive (Bacillus subtilis) bacteria.
• Assessment of activity duration, inhibition efficiency, and recyclability.
• Testing under a wide temperature range and at extremely low concentrations.

Main Results:

• The developed h-lysozyme exhibited excellent antibacterial performance with an inhibition efficiency of up to 99.4%.
• Sustained high activity was observed for up to 55 days, with effective recycling capability for up to 11 cycles.
• Broad-spectrum inhibition was demonstrated against both E. coli and B. subtilis.
• The material showed high stability, non-toxicity, and no secondary contamination.

Conclusions:

• Hydrogel-immobilized lysozyme (h-lysozyme) is a highly effective, stable, and non-toxic antibacterial agent for water purification.
• h-lysozyme presents a promising, cost-effective alternative to silver nanoparticle catalysts, addressing concerns of contamination and expense.
• The broad applicability and robust performance of h-lysozyme support its use in diverse water treatment systems.