Abstract
Hybrid nano-supra molecular structured materials can boost the functionality of nano- or supra-molecular materials by providing increased reactivity and conductivity, or by simply improving their mechanical stability. Herein, the studies in materials science exploring hybrid systems are investigated from the perspective of two important related applications: healthcare and food safety. Interfacing phase strategy was applied, and ZnAl layered double hydroxide-chitosan hybrids, prepared by the urea method (U-LDH/CS), were successfully synthesized under the conditions of different chitosan(CS) concentrations with a Zn/Al molar ratio of 5.0. The structure and surface properties of the U-LDH/CS hybrids were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectrometer(FTIR), scanning electronmicroscopy (SEM), ultravioletvisible (UV-Vis), and zero point charge (ZPC) techniques, where the effect of CS concentration on the structure and surface properties was investigated. The use of the U-LDH/CS hybrids as antimicrobial agents against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Penicillium cyclopium was investigated in order to clarify the relationship between microstructure and antimicrobial ability. The hybrid prepared in a CS concentration of 1.0 g∙L−1 (U-LDH/CS1) exhibited the best antimicrobial activity and exhibited average inhibition zones of 24.2, 30.4, and 22.3mm against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Penicillium cyclopium, respectively. The results showed that the appropriate addition of CS molecules could increase antimicrobial ability against microorganisms.
Highlights
The use of nanostructures is known to achieve levels of functionality not possible to reach when using bulk materials [1]
The results suggest that the hybrids of chitosan and chitosan and ZnAl-layered double hydrotalcites (LDH) made for the improvement of antimicrobial ability
Hybridization of chitosan with ZnAl-LDH has the potential to restore the effectiveness of the antibacterial activity of chitosan at a pH of about six and above, provide novel candidates with a synergistic effect in terms of efficacy and lowered resistance selection propensity, and could confer antibacterial activity against a broad spectrum of resistant microbes
Summary
The use of nanostructures is known to achieve levels of functionality not possible to reach when using bulk materials [1] It is in this context that the notion of hybrids has been introduced, which is a strategy that aims to combine different structures in order to obtain a more efficient one. Among various hybrids of inorganic and organic materials, layered double hydrotalcites (LDH) and chitosan (CS) are of particular interest due to their wide applications range. Since the antimicrobial properties of CS are limited to pH values below six [23,24,25,26], hybrid materials that have the ability to kill pathogenic bacteria and prevent bacterial colonization are desired for utilization in several application areas such as food-contact materials, food packaging, textiles, water purification systems, prosthetic devices, and hospital equipment surfaces.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
