Biohybrid β-glucan and cellulose macromolecules modified with fluorescent amino-functionalized silica nanoparticles...

β-Glucan and cellulose macromolecules represent promising biopolymeric matrices for antimicrobial applications. We present a novel strategy for functionalizing these natural polysaccharides with fluorescent amino-functionalized silica nanoparticles (SiNPs) to create photoactive biohybrid materials. The SiNPs, synthesized via UV-assisted reaction of alkoxysilanes in aqueous media, with well-defined cage-and ladder-like silsesquioxane architectures, were employed to modify yeast β-glucan capsules and cellulose sheets through layer-by-layer deposition and sol-gel techniques. Structural characterization of the glucan-silica and cellulose-silica composites revealed successful integration while preserving the native macromolecular architecture. Encapsulation of photosensitizer phenosafranin (PSF) enabled evaluation of photodynamic activity, with cellulose-based hybrids showing efficient singlet oxygen generation and antibacterial efficacy against E. coli. This work demonstrates the potential of polysaccharide-based biohybrid materials for advanced antimicrobial applications.