Functionalisation of MWCNTs with piperazine and dopamine derivatives and their potential antibacterial activity

Abstract

Functionalised multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) are exclusively used in antibacterial activity due to their high aspect ratio and surface penetration characteristics. This study reports the synthesis of piperazine and dopamine functionalised MWCNTs to investigate antibacterial activity against strains like Staphylococcus aureus and Micrococcus luteus. MWCNTs were activated through acid oxidation and then refluxed at 75°C for 10 and 8 h in the presence of piperazine and dopamine, respectively. The functionalised MWCNTs were characterised by scanning electron microscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy. Moreover, functionalised MWCNTs were subjected to zone inhibition assay on agar plates. Results revealed the significant antibacterial activity against various bacteria up to 50%. Similarly, it was observed that the effect of different solvents, such as dimethyl formamide (DMF) and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) was non-prevalent to the bacterial zone of inhibition. Such facile nano-modifications provide passage to nano-antibacterials for advanced studies.