Chitosan-silver Nanocomposites Research Articles

Iron-Based Nanoparticles Synthesis, Characterization, and Antimicrobial Effectiveness

Background: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has emerged as a significant and pressing public health concern, posing serious challenges to effectively preventing and treating persistent diseases. Developing new antibiotics with different mechanisms of action is crucial to effectively address challenges in treating infections. A lot of work has already been done on mono-metallic nanoparticles to address the issue.Methods: This study aimed to synthesize multi-metallic iron, silver, and chitosan-embedded nanoparticles using a green approach. Iron, silver, chitosan nanoparticles, and a composite of iron–silver–chitosan was also synthesized. The synthesized nanoparticles and composites were characterized through X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) to evaluate their structural parameters. Their antimicrobial efficacy was investigated through MIC (minimum inhibitory concentration), MBC (minimum bactericidal concentration), and well-disk diffusion assays against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Acinetobacter baumannii, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis and Candida albicans.Results: The size of the Cu-NPs, Cu-Ag NPs, and Cu-Ag-CS NPs were found to be in the range of 32-40 nm size with a spherical shape. The nanocomposites' MIC and MBC were calculated to be 125 μg/mL and 500 μg/mL, respectively. The nanocomposites exhibited a range of clear inhibition zones, with a minimum diameter of 12 ± 0.5 mm and a maximum diameter of 22 ± 0.5 mm. Conclusion: The iron–silver–chitosan nanocomposite has been shown to have significant antimicrobial effects in the laboratory environment compared to other nanoparticles hence can be applied as potential biomedical/biological candidates in future.Keywords: Antibacterial; Antifungal Agents; Iron; Silver; Chitosan; Nanoparticles

Assessment of olive leaf extract–mediated chitosan–silver nanocomposites as antibacterial and biocorrosion mitigation agents

Assessment of olive leaf extract–mediated chitosan–silver nanocomposites as antibacterial and biocorrosion mitigation agents

Fabrication and Evaluation of Anticancer Potential of Eugenol Incorporated Chitosan-Silver Nanocomposites: In Vitro, In Vivo, and In Silico Studies.

The expanding global cancer burden necessitates a comprehensive strategy to promote possible therapeutic interventions. Nanomedicine is a cutting-edge approach for treating cancer with minimal adverse effects. In the present study, chitosan-silver nanoparticles (ChAgNPs) containing Eugenol (EGN) were synthesized and evaluated for their anticancer activity against breast cancer cells (MCF-7). The physical, pharmacological, and molecular docking studies were used to characterize these nanoparticles. EGN had been effectively entrapped into hybrid NPs (84 ± 7%). The EGN-ChAgNPs had a diameter of 128 ± 14nm, a PDI of 0.472 ± 0.118, and a zeta potential of 30.58 ± 6.92mV. Anticancer activity was measured in vitro using an SRB assay, and the findings revealed that EGN-ChAgNPs demonstrated stronger anticancer activity against MCF-7 cells (IC50 = 14.87 ± 5.34µg/ml) than pure EGN (30.72 ± 4.91µg/ml). To support initial cytotoxicity findings, advanced procedures such as cell cycle analysis and genotoxicity were performed. Tumor weight reduction and survival rate were determined using different groups of mice. Both survival rates and tumor weight reduction were higher in the EGN-ChAgNPs (12.5mg/kg) treated group than in the pure EGN treated group. Based on protein-ligand interactions, it might be proposed that eugenol had a favorable interaction with Aurora Kinase A. It was observed that C9 had the highest HYDE score of any sample, measuring at -6.8kJ/mol. These results, in conjunction with physical and pharmacological evaluations, implies that EGN-ChAgNPs may be a suitable drug delivery method for treating breast cancer in a safe and efficient way.

Green synthesis of chitosan silver nanocomposites and their antifungal activity against Colletotrichum truncatum causing anthracnose in chillies

Biopolymer-based metal nanocomposites are gaining importance due to their safety, stability, and ease of synthesis. Chitosan and silver-based nanoparticles have been found to be effective as anti-fungal agents. In this study, we tested the fungicidal effect of green synthesized chitosan silver nanocomposites (CS-AgNPs) against the chilli anthracnose pathogen Colletotrichum truncatum (syn. C. capsici). The nanoparticles were synthesized at 90 ± 1 °C under alkaline condition. Chitosan was used as a reducing and stabilizing agent in the synthesis. The formation of nanoparticles (NPs) was indicated by a change in the colour of the solution to yellow. UV-Visible spectroscopy of the synthesized nanoparticles showed a surface plasmon resonance peak between 406 and 420 nm. The synthesized silver nanoparticles were small, and the average particle size distribution was 4 nm, as characterized by TEM and FESEM. The Zeta potential measurement of the synthesized nanoparticles ranged from + 41.9 mV and + 50.5 mV. The nanoparticles were further characterized by XRD and FTIR analysis. The nanocomposites showed antifungal activity against C. truncatum in an in vitro conidial germination assay even at a concentration of 0.0005%. In vivo assay using detached chilli fruit (Capsicum annuum) showed that the nanocomposites significantly inhibited anthracnose in both preventive and curative measures. Even when applied at a concentration of 0.0625%, the nanocomposites exhibited growth-promoting activity with chilli seeds. Thus, the synthesized nanocomposites have a dual benefit of growth promotion as well as an effective antifungal agent in preventing postharvest anthracnose disease in chilli.

Antiviral Activity of Chitosan Nanoparticles and Chitosan Silver Nanocomposites against Alfalfa Mosaic Virus.

Plant viruses are a global concern for sustainable crop production. Among the currently available antiviral approaches, nanotechnology has been overwhelmingly playing an effective role in circumventing plant viruses. Alfalfa mosaic virus (AMV) was isolated and identified from symptomatic pepper plants in Egypt using symptomatology, serological tests using the direct ELISA technique, differential hosts and electron microscopy. The virus was biologically purified from a single local lesion that developed on Chenopodium amaranticolor. The AMV infection was further confirmed using an AMV coat protein-specific primer RT-PCR. We further evaluated the antiviral potential of chitosan nanoparticles (CS-NPs) and chitosan silver nanocomposites (CS-Ag NC) in different concentrations against AMV infections in pepper plants. All tested concentrations of CS-NPs and CS-Ag NC induced the inhibition of AMV systemically infected pepper plants when applied 24 h after virus inoculation. The foliar application of 400 ppm CS-NPs or 200 ppm CS-Ag NC produced the highest AMV inhibitory effect (90 and 91%) when applied 24 h after virus inoculation. Treatment with CS-NPs and CS-Ag NC considerably increased the phenol, proline and capsaicin contents compared to the infected plants. Moreover, the agronomic metrics (plant height, fresh and dry pod weights and number of pods per plant) were also significantly improved. According to our results, the potential applications of CS-NPs and CS-Ag NC may provide an effective therapeutic measure for better AMV and other related plant virus management.

Antimicrobial properties of green synthesized silver and chitosan nanocomposites.

An eco-friendly and simple approach was carried out for the synthesis of silver-chitosan nanocomposites using Azadirachta indica and fluconazole-mediated aqueous extract. This extract acted as a reducing agent as well as a capping agent for the green synthesis of silver nanoparticles. Chitosan nanoparticles on the other hand were synthesized from the deacetylation of the chitin matrix. To confirm the nanoparticle synthesis, a UV- A visible spectrophotometer was used and FTIR analysis confirmed the presence of functional groups in the prepared extract. The morphological characteristics of silver and chitosan nanoparticles and as nano-composites were studied and confirmed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis. The synthesized silver-chitosan nanocomposites were subjected to well-loaded agar plates for the evaluation of antibacterial properties against the Streptococcus mutans and Candida albicans for their antifungal properties. The synthesized silver and chitosan nanoparticles showed antibacterial and antifungal activities against common oral micro flora such as Streptococcus mutans and Candida albicans which were measured using the zone of inhibition method. This approach is a one-step, economical and eco-friendly, biocompatible, and effective alternative for nanoparticle synthesis for various prosthetic applications.

Evaluation of chitosan and chitosan silver nanocomposites against bacterial pathogens of tropical tasar silkworm, Antheraea mylitta Drurry

Aim: The present research work was carried out to evaluate the effect of commercially available shrimp chitosan and chitosan silver nanocomposites (CSN) on the inhibition of bacterial pathogens of tropical tasar silkworm. Methodology: Synthesis of chitosan silver nanocomposite was by carried by using chemical precipitation method. The synthesized nanocomposites were characterized using different techniques. Further, antimicrobial potential of the chitosan and chitosan silver nanocomposites was evaluated by in vitro inhibition assay. The minimum inhibitory concentration of both chitosan and chitosan nanocomposites was estimated against bacterial pathogens of tasar silkworm. Results: Chitosan at different concentrations showed antibacterial activity against the bacterial pathogens (Bacillus spp., Micrococcus spp., and Serratia spp.) of tropical tasar silkworm under in vitro conditions. The 0.2% concentration of chitosan and CSN was identified as a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) against bacterial pathogens. Interpretation: Based on the findings of this study, the 0.2% concentration of CSNs may be considered as minimum inhibitory concentration against bacterial pathogens infecting tropical tasar silkworms. Key words: Bacterial pathogens, Chitosan silver nanocomposites, Tropical tasar silkworm

Synthesis of Chitosan-Silver Nanocomposite and Its Evaluation as an Antibacterial Coating for Mobile Phone Glass Protectors.

An easy and environment-friendly route for antibacterial coating suited for mobile phone glass protectors was successfully demonstrated. In this route, freshly prepared chitosan solution in 1% v/v acetic acid was added with 0.1 M silver nitrate solution and 0.1 M sodium hydroxide solution and incubated with agitation at 70 °C to form chitosan-silver nanoparticles (ChAgNPs). Varied concentrations of chitosan solution (i.e., 0.1, 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, and 0.8% w/v) were used to investigate its particle size, size distribution, and later on, its antibacterial activity. Transmission electron microscope (TEM) imaging revealed that the smallest average diameter of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) was 13.04 nm from 0.8% w/v chitosan solution. Further characterizations of the optimal nanocomposite formulation using UV-vis spectroscopy and Fourier transfer infrared spectroscopy were also performed. Using a dynamic light scattering zetasizer, the average ζ-potential of the optimal ChAgNP formulation was at +56.07 mV, showing high aggregative stability and an average ChAgNP size of 182.37 nm. The ChAgNP nanocoating on glass protectors shows antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli (E. coli) at 24 and 48 h of contact. However, the antibacterial activity decreased from 49.80% (24 h) to 32.60% (48 h).

Silver Nanoparticles Stabilized with a Chitosan Shell: Physical-Chemical Properties and Features of the Toxic Effect in Vivo

The results of investigating the in-vivo toxicity and safety of colloidal solutions of chitosan–silver nanocomposites with different concentrations of Ag (0.19, 1.9 mg/mL) obtained by the “green chemistry” technique via the chemical reduction of silver nitrate with chitosan under hydrothermal conditions are presented. The synthesized samples possess high aggregative stability (the values of their ζ potential are 37.3 ± 0.2 and 43.2 ± 2.5 mV) and pronounced antimicrobial properties against Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella dublin, and Escherichia coli (inhibition zones of 11–16 mm). It is found that the nanocomposites are not very dangerous in the case of acute intragastric administration, are relatively safe in the case of intraperitoneal administration, and do not possess dermal irritation. A hydrosol of the nanocomposite with a high concentration of silver (1.9 mg/mL) induces reversible eye irritation in laboratory animals as well as has a pronounced sensitizing action, inducing the development of an allergy by the delayed hypersensitivity mechanism.

Chitosan–silver nanocomposites as a promising tool for controlling the bed bug:Cimex lectularius(Heteroptera: Cimicidae)

This study evaluates the use of chitosan–silver nanocomposites (CSN) as an insecticide against the bed bug ( Cimex lectularius). Adult bed bugs were collected from infested residential areas and identified using light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. CSN were prepared and photographed for characterization using transmission electron microscopy, dynamic light scattering, and zeta potential. The insecticidal effect of different concentrations of CSN (400–1000 ppm) was compared to that of 0.1% cypermethrin as a positive control and normal saline as a negative control. The bugs ( n = 25) were immersed for 20 min in the corresponding medium, dried with filter papers, and then incubated at 27–28°C and 70% RH with a 12:12 h light–dark photoperiod. The mortality rates were recorded at different time intervals (2, 4, 6, 12, and 24 h post-incubation (hPI)), and the entire experiment was repeated five times. Image analysis showed round- to spherical-shaped CSN ranging in size from 34 to 72 nm. The mortality rates were positively associated with increasing concentrations of CSN. The mortality rate first reached 100% for concentrations of 800 ppm at 24 hPI and 1000 ppm at 12 hPI. The calculated LC50was found at a concentration of 1165 ppm at 2 hPI, and the LC99was found at a concentration of 1914 ppm at 2 hPI. The positive control, cypermethrin, induced 100% mortality among the bugs at 2 hPI, while the negative control caused no mortality. These results clearly show the potential of CSN as an insecticide against C. lectularius. Future studies on best practices for implementing these particles in clinical settings are recommended.

Evaluation of methyl orange adsorption potential of green synthesized chitosan-silver nanocomposite (CS–AgNC) and its notable biocompatibility on freshwater Tilapia (Oreochromis nitoticus)

Nanomaterials mainly nanocomposites possess unique physical and chemical properties which makes them superior and indispensable. Though much research has been focused on the properties and application of nanocomposites, the eco-toxicity assessment is one among top priority, which aims to protect the population of concerned biological component and their ecosystem. With this objective, the present study has undertaken an initiation to evaluate the efficacy of chitosan-silver nanocomposite for methyl orange adsorption property (CS–AgNC) and also assessed the toxicity impact on growth parameters of freshwater Tilapia. Batch in vitro studies showed that all the tested dosages of the nanocomposite were effectively adsorbing maximum concentration of methyl orange. The synthesized nanocomposite was administrated to the tested fishes followed by the determination of various growth, nutritional parameters, gene expression of enzymatic antioxidants and liver, and intestinal tissues histology. Obtained results indicated that nanocomposite treatment was not projected as a toxic impact on all the tested growth, and nutritional parameters. Histology study showed that the exposure of Tilapia to nanocomposite has not shown any detrimental effect on antioxidants gene expression and liver, intestinal tissue architecture. Hence, all these findings indicated that chitosan-silver nanocomposite prepared in our present system was found to be biocompatible which suggested the possible utilization and release of the nanocomposite into the divergent ecosystem without affecting non-target organisms (NTO).

Silver Chitosan Nanocomposites are Effective to Combat Sporotrichosis

The use of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) embedded in polymeric matrix has acquired special attention as a strategy to reduce metal toxicity without losing its antimicrobial effect. In this work, the green synthesis of AgNPs and their functionalization with chitosan (AgNPs@Chi) was performed, and their antifungal activity investigated against the foremost species responsible for causing sporotrichosis, Sporothrix brasiliensis and Sporothrix schenckii. In vitro studies revealed inhibitory concentrations ranging from 0.12–1 μg/ml for both nanocomposites (NCs). Silver release in suspension displayed chitosan as a potential vehicle for continuous silver discharge, with a complete release after 52 days. No synergistic effects were observed in vitro when the NCs were combined with itraconazole or amphotericin B. Treatment of S. brasiliensis with NCs caused morphological deformities, cell membrane discontinuity and an intense cytoplasmic degeneration. Remarkably, both NCs induced the growth and migration of keratinocytes and fibroblasts when compared to control conditions. In addition, functionalization of AgNPs with chitosan significantly reduced its hemolytic activity, suggesting their potential use in vivo. Finally, silver nanocomposites were used as a daily topical treatment in a murine model of subcutaneous sporotrichosis, showing the ability to reduce the Sporothrix infection and stimulate tissue repair. In combination, our results demonstrate that AgNPs@Chi can be a non-toxic and efficient alternative for sporotrichosis.

Development of Chitosan Silver Nanocomposites: Its Characteristic Study and Toxicity Effect against 3T3-L1 Cell Line

Nanocomposite from the natural source is opened a wide area for the researchers to find a natural remedy to replace the chemicals or harmful products in all the fields of agricultural, food and medical fields. Here the biopolymer (chitosan) was extracted from the two white rot fungi of Pleurotus floridanus and Pleurotus djamor, and biologically synthesized with 1mM AgNO3 solution. Synthesized chitosan nanocomposite was characterized with UV-Visible study, FTIR, FESEM, XRD, EDAS for the confirmation based upon the peaks, functional group, crystalline nature, size, morphology and the percentage of elements respectively. Toxicity study was carried out using 3T3 L1 (Mouse embryo fibroblast Cell Line) normal Cell Line to find out the cytotoxicity effect of the chitosan nanocomposite and found that the nanocomposites were non toxic to the Cell Line.

γ-Irradiated Chitosan Mediates Enhanced Synthesis and Antimicrobial Properties of Chitosan-Silver (Ag) Nanocomposites.

Chitosan (CSN) and its derivatives are being exploited for their potential role in agriculture in mitigating environmental stress factors. The present study was aimed to enhance the synthesis of chitosan (CSN)-based silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) using γ-irradiated chitosan (IR-CSN) and to study the antimicrobial activity of IR-CSN–Ag NPs. The chitosan–silver nanocomposites (CSN–Ag NPs) were prepared by employing the green synthesis method using normal chitosan (high molecular weight (MW), NL-CSN) and oligochitosans (low MW, IR-CSN). The latter was derived by irradiation with γ rays (60Co) at 100 kGy dose to obtain a lower MW (approximately 25 kDa). NL-CSN and IR-CSN (0.0–2.5% w/v) were amalgamated with different concentrations of silver nitrate (0.0–2.5% w/v) and vice versa. The UV–visible spectra displayed a single peak in the range of 419–423 nm, which is the characteristic surface plasmon resonance (SPR) for Ag NPs. The physicochemical properties were assessed using different methods such as transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), zetasizer, elemental (CHNS) analysis, etc. The degree of Ag NP synthesis was more in IR-CSN than NL-CSN. The in vitro disc diffusion assay with IR-CSN–Ag NPs exhibited a significantly higher antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli. Further evaluation of the antifungal activity of IR-CSN and Ag NPs showed a synergistic effect against chickpea wilt (Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. ciceris). The study has provided a novel approach for the improved synthesis of CSN–Ag nanoparticle composites using γ-irradiated chitosan. This study also opens up new options for the development and deployment of γ-irradiated chitosan–silver nanocomposites for the control of phytopathogens in sustainable agriculture.

Evaluation of the antiparasitic activity of the chitosan-silver nanocomposites in the treatment of experimentally infested pigeons with Pseudolynchia canariensis

This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of chitosan-silver nanocomposites in the treatment of experimentally infested pigeons with Pseudolynchia canariensis (P. canariensis) with evaluation of different immunological parameters before and after treatment. Therefore, fourteen birds were divided into 2 groups; group1(infested group including 12 birds) which subdivided into 6 sub-groups experimentally infested pigeons 2 pigeons each, and five group of them were treated with chitosan-silver nanocomposites and sub-group number 6 was treated with deltamethrin while, group 2 including two pigeons were kept as control negative ones. P. canariensis flies distributed under the wing and /or under the tail in infested group and these pigeons showed significantly lower RBCs and higher WBCs than that in non-infested pigeons. The cell mediated immune response against experimentally infested pigeons with P. canariensis was studied. P. canariensis infestation in pigeons have a negative impact on pigeon’s blood parameters, increase TNF-α and IL-1β cytokines levels. This study cleared out the role of P. canariensis in the induction of a case of oxidative stress indicated by high level of nitric oxide and malondialdehyde (MDA) with low antioxidant capacity in shape of reduced zinc concentration in the sera of experimentally infested pigeon. Chitosan-silver nanocomposite has a promising effect in the elimination of P. canariensis infestation in pigeons.

Characterization and Antifungal Efficacy of Biogenic Silver Nanoparticles and Silver–Chitosan Nanocomposites

The present study aimed for a comparative study of green protocol for the biogenic synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and silver-chitosan nanocomposites (Ag-CS-NCs), characterization, and comparative evaluation of antifungal and anti-aflatoxin B1 activity potentials of both nanoparticles (NPs). The cell-free culture filtrate (CFF) of Aspergillus terreus (KC462061) was utilized to biogenic synthesis AgNPs and Ag-CS-NCs. The physicochemical characterization was done by ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), high- resolution scanning electron microscopy (HR-SEM), Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS), Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The UV-Vis spectroscopy of the prepared AgNPs and Ag-CS-NCs showed variation in the appearance of specific significant peaks, 425 nm for AgNPs and 275, 425 nm for Ag-CS-NCs. The microscopic analysis was done by TEM and the results revealed that both NPs were spherical in shape, with average size ranged from 10 to 60 nm. The HR-SEM micrographs revealed a rough surface with uneven surface topology of the AgNPs, while Ag-CS-NCs were thin, straight and smooth pipe. FTIR spectroscopy indicated that the functional groups (proteins and secondary metabolites) present in the CFF might be responsible for the bioreduction of Ag+ (ions) to produce stabilized protein-capped AgNPs. This study presents the antifungal activity and anti-aflatoxin B1 of AgNPs and Ag-CS-NCs against an aflatoxigenic isolates of A. flavus. Our in vitro results showed notable antifungal activity and potency in thwarting aflatoxin B1 (AB1) production. In addition, SEM imaging was applied to observe the changes in fungal hyphal morphological features after the interactions with AgNPs and Ag-CS-NCs.

Design and antimicrobial profiling of silver-chitosan nanocomposites for biomedical applications

Design and antimicrobial profiling of silver-chitosan nanocomposites for biomedical applications

Hydrothermal Synthesis and Properties of Chitosan–Silver Nanocomposites

Hydrothermal Synthesis and Properties of Chitosan–Silver Nanocomposites

Biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles for the fabrication of non cytotoxic and antibacterial metallic polymer based nanocomposite system

Nanomaterials have significantly contributed in the field of nanomedicine as this subject matter has combined the usefulness of natural macromolecules with organic and inorganic nanomaterials. In this respect, various types of nanocomposites are increasingly being explored in order to discover an effective approach in controlling high morbidity and mortality rate that had triggered by the evolution and emergence of multidrug resistant microorganisms. Current research is focused towards the production of biogenic silver nanoparticles for the fabrication of antimicrobial metallic-polymer-based non-cytotoxic nanocomposite system. An ecofriendly approach was adapted for the production of silver nanoparticles using fungal biomass (Aspergillus fumigatus KIBGE-IB33). The biologically synthesized nanoparticles were further layered with a biodegradable macromolecule (chitosan) to improve and augment the properties of the developed nanocomposite system. Both nanostructures were characterized using different spectrographic analyses including UV–visible and scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray analysis, dynamic light scattering, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopic technique. The biologically mediated approach adapted in this study resulted in the formation of highly dispersed silver nanoparticles that exhibited an average nano size and zeta potential value of 05 nm (77.0%) and − 22.1 mV, respectively with a polydispersity index of 0.4. Correspondingly, fabricated silver–chitosan nanocomposites revealed a size of 941 nm with a zeta potential and polydispersity index of + 63.2 mV and 0.57, respectively. The successful capping of chitosan on silver nanoparticles prevented the agglomeration of nanomaterial and also facilitated the stabilization of the nano system. Both nanoscopic entities exhibited antimicrobial potential against some pathogenic bacterial species but did not displayed any antifungal activity. The lowest minimal inhibitory concentration of nanocomposite system (1.56 µg ml−1) was noticed against Enterococcus faecalis ATCC 29212. Fractional inhibitory concentration index of the developed nanocomposite system confirmed its improved synergistic behavior against various bacterial species with no cytotoxic effect on NIH/3T3 cell lines. Both nanostructures, developed in the present study, could be utilized in the form of nanomedicines or nanocarrier system after some quantifiable trials as both of them are nonhazardous and have substantial antibacterial properties.

Evaluation of Biopolymer Films Containing Silver–Chitosan Nanocomposites

Chitosan (commercial and shrimp)–silver active agent nanocomposites (Ag–CC–NCs and Ag–SC–NCs) for inclusion in biopolymer films were synthetized in this study and characterized (mechanical, optical, transport, and structural properties and the in vitro antifungal activity). The hydrocolloid was integrated into linseed mucilage (LMF) commercial chitosan (CCF) and shrimp chitosan (SCF) films. The films were transparent, smooth, and continuous. The incorporation of Ag–CC–NCs or Ag–SC–NCs did not modify the film strength but did modify film elasticity. Based on the morphological characterization, the nanocomposites had a spherical shape (100 to 250 nm diameter). The LMF + Ag–SC–NCs film showed the highest water solubility (85.7%). The water vapor permeability increased with the addition of Ag–NCs–chitosan reaching the CCF-based films higher permeabilities (5.491–3.953 g/Pa.s.m × 1010), which indicates that they could be used in foods with high moisture content. The differences between treatments are indicative of the various applications that films can have in foods of different natures.