Antibacterial reduced graphene oxide reinforces polyelectrolyte hydrogels with polysaccharides via a green method

Abstract

A green and straightforward method has been employed for the preparation of graphene oxide (GO) and reduced graphene oxide (rGO) in nanocomposite polyelectrolyte complex (NC-PEC) hydrogel made of xanthan gum (XG) and chitosan (CS). In this study, glucuronic acid δ-galactone (GDL) was used as an acidifying agent for the formation of PEC between XG and CS, and fenugreek seed extract was used to reduce GO to rGO. Reduction of GO to rGO was confirmed by FTIR, XRD, UV–visible spectra, and TEM. FTIR characterized the reinforcement of GO and rGO into PEC hydrogels. XRD techniques were performed to verify the formation and structural interactions between rGO with PEC hydrogels. SEM confirmed the microstructure of NC-PEC hydrogels. Furthermore, rGO in NC-PEC hydrogel exhibited improved antibacterial properties against gram-positive and -negative bacteria compared to GO-reinforced PEC hydrogel. Moreover, the presence of rGO in PEC hydrogel did not have any cytotoxic effects against skin fibroblasts. Furthermore, NC-PEC hydrogels showed good hemocompatability. Hence, the developed NC-PEC hydrogels have potential in wound dressing applications.