Investigation of antimicrobial properties of chitosan- ZnO nanocomposite

Nanotechnology is one of great important part of technology. Nanoparticles can be used in different applications for industrial, medical, military and personal use. The objectives of this study were preparation of chitosan –ZnO nanocomposite films via a simple method and investigation of antibacterial activity of them.
Chitosan –ZnO nanocomposites were prepared via the method of sol – gel transformation. Then this nano- composite was studied by using UV-Vis, FTIR, XRD, SEM, and EDX. Antimicrobial properties of product were investigated on Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Antibacterial effect of nanocomposites with 1.5 wt % ZnO on the bandages were investigated on both the bacteria.
The results showed that the ZnO content had an effect on antibacterial properties of nanocomposite films. Nanocomposite films with 1.5 wt % ZnO exhibited high antibacterial activities. Further, nanocomposite film on the bandages with 1.5 wt % ZnO exhibited antibacterial activities on both the bacteria.
It was proved that the chitosan –ZnO nanocomposite film had an excellent antibacterial performance. Typically, the nanocomposite film may be used to biomedical application. Also, used as a surface coating to enhance microbial safety and extend food shelf life.