Ti₃C₂T_x MXene/halloysite nanotube functionalized films for antibacterial applications

In the study, chitosan (CS)-based Ti₃C₂T_x MXene/Halloysite nanotube (HNT) films were successfully synthesized using the solution casting method. The prepared films were characterized morphologically and structurally. To measure the surface wettability of the films for potential biological applications, contact angles were measured in simulated body fluid. The bacterial viability and antibacterial properties on Gram-negative (E. coli) and Gram-positive (S. aureus) bacteria were evaluated by CFU counting, and statistical analyses were performed using ANOVA. The HNT particles with a size of about 30-40 nm were homogeneously anchored onto MXene layers without partial agglomerations. The presence of micropores and functional end groups in the prepared films contributes to their antibacterial effect. The incorporation of HNT into the chitosan MXene film provided a hydrophilic character by decreasing the contact angle from 82.26° to 49.47°. Antibacterial evaluation revealed that the film exhibited high inhibition for E. coli (34.63%) and S. aureus (63%) due to the synergistic effect between HNT and MXene. These findings highlight the potential of the developed film as an antibacterial material for biomedical applications.