Antibacterial properties of biologically formed chitosan nanoparticles using aqueous leaf extract of Ocimum basilicum

Chitosan nanoparticles (CNPs) were prepared based on the ionic gelation of chitoan with anionic compounds of Ocimum basilicum leaf extract.
After addition of Ocimum basilicum leaf extract to chitosan solution, the physicochemical properties of the nanoparticles were determined by Field Emission Scanning Electron microscope (FESEM), Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) analysis, X-ray diffraction (XRD) Pattern, and Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS). The antibacterial activity of CNPs was evaluated by agar disc diffusion method.
The synthesized nanoparticles were found to be nearly spherical shape with size in the range of 135-729 nm. FTIR analysis revealed the presence of polyphenolic; proteins and alkaloids compounds act as effective agents for converting chitosan to CNPs. Moreover, the synthesized nanoparticles showed potent antibacterial activity against Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria.
These results reveal that natural sources of materials such as plants could be used for preparation of CNPs instead of use of chemical substances.