Antimicrobial activity of new carboxymethyl chitosan–carbon nanotube biocomposites and their swell ability in different pH media

ABSTRACT

New carboxymethyl chitosan–carbon nanotube (CMCS-CNT) biocomposites were prepared and characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and normal photography. The recorded images of the CMCS-CNT biocomposites showed homogeneous distribution of carbon nanotubes into the carboxymethyl chitosan (CMCS) matrix. Their antimicrobial activity and swell ability in different pH media have been investigated. They showed a higher antimicrobial activity against tested gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. The inhibition zone diameters are closer to that recorded for the commonly used antibiotics. They showed an increase in the swell ability in different pH media relative to the parent CMCS. It would be expected that these nanobiocomposites are promising candidates for medical applications.

GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

KEYWORDS:

• Antimicrobial activity
• carbon nanotube
• carboxymethyl chitosan
• swell ability