Noncovalent functionalization of graphene oxide and reduced graphene oxide with Schiff bases as antibacterial agents

Biomaterial-based sponge for efficient and environmentally sound removal of bacteria from water

Designing materials capable of disinfecting water without releasing harmful by-products is an ongoing challenge. Here, we report a novel polycationic sponge material synthesized from chitosan derivatives and cellulose fibers, exhibiting antibacterial properties. The design of such material is based on three key principles. First, the formation of a highly porous structure through cryogelation for an extensive surface area. Second, the incorporation of cationic quaternary ammonium moieties onto chitosan to enhance bacterial adsorption and antibacterial activity. Lastly, the reinforcement of mechanical properties through integration of cellulose fibers. The presented sponge materials exhibit up to a 4-log (99.99%) reduction within 6 h against both gram-positive B. subtilis and gram-negative E. coli. Notably, QCHI90/Cell, with the highest surface charge, exhibits a 2-4.5 log reduction within 1 h of incubation time. The eco-friendly synthesis from water and readily available biomaterials, along with cost-effectiveness and simplicity, underscores its versatility and feasibility of upscaling. Together with its outstanding antibacterial activity, this macroporous biomaterial emerges as a promising candidate for water disinfection applications.

Sensor to Electronics Applications of Graphene Oxide through AZO Grafting

Graphene is a two-dimensional (2D) material with a single atomic crystal structure of carbon that has the potential to create next-generation devices for photonic, optoelectronic, thermoelectric, sensing, wearable electronics, etc., owing to its excellent electron mobility, large surface-to-volume ratio, adjustable optics, and high mechanical strength. In contrast, owing to their light-induced conformations, fast response, photochemical stability, and surface-relief structures, azobenzene (AZO) polymers have been used as temperature sensors and photo-switchable molecules and are recognized as excellent candidates for a new generation of light-controllable molecular electronics. They can withstand trans-cis isomerization by conducting light irradiation or heating but have poor photon lifetime and energy density and are prone to agglomeration even at mild doping levels, reducing their optical sensitivity. Graphene derivatives, including graphene oxide (GO) and reduced graphene oxide (RGO), are an excellent platform that, combined with AZO-based polymers, could generate a new type of hybrid structure with interesting properties of ordered molecules. AZO derivatives may modify the energy density, optical responsiveness, and photon storage capacity, potentially preventing aggregation and strengthening the AZO complexes. They are potential candidates for sensors, photocatalysts, photodetectors, photocurrent switching, and other optical applications. This review aimed to provide an overview of the recent progress in graphene-related 2D materials (Gr2MS) and AZO polymer AZO-GO/RGO hybrid structures and their synthesis and applications. The review concludes with remarks based on the findings of this study.

Design and synthesis of curcumin nanostructures: Evaluation of solubility, stability, antibacterial and antioxidant activities

By coupling a quaternary pyridinium compound and curcumin (CM), a new antimicrobial agent called CP was obtained. The poor water-solubility was the most important limiting factor in the use of CM and CP. To address this problem, a hydrophilic hyperbranched polyglycerol (PG) was synthesized and reacted with CM and CP via Schiff base reaction to form two new macromolecules. Due to the presence of polymer, the solubility and stability of CM and CP increased significantly in aqueous media. Since the new macromolecules were including the hydrophilic polymeric and curcumin hydrophobic units, they self-assembled into spherical nanostructures, which were characterized by Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images. The synthetic nanostructures exhibited a controlled release of curcumin unit in the acidic environment. In vitro experiments showed that the new macromolecules are potent antibacterial and antioxidant agents.

Surface Functionalization of Graphene-Based Materials: Biological Behavior, Toxicology, and Safe-By-Design Aspects

The increasing exploitation of graphene-based materials (GBMs) is driven by their unique properties and structures, which ignite the imagination of scientists and engineers. At the same time, the very properties that make them so useful for applications lead to growing concerns regarding their potential impacts on human health and the environment. Since GBMs are inert to reaction, various attempts of surface functionalization are made to make them reactive. Herein, surface functionalization of GBMs, including those intentionally designed for specific applications, as well as those unintentionally acquired (e.g., protein corona formation) from the environment and biota, are reviewed through the lenses of nanotoxicity and design of safe materials (safe-by-design). Uptake and toxicity of functionalized GBMs and the underlying mechanisms are discussed and linked with the surface functionalization. Computational tools that can predict the interaction of GBMs behavior with their toxicity are discussed. A concise framing of current knowledge and key features of GBMs to be controlled for safe and sustainable applications are provided for the community.

Eco-friendly synthesis of graphene–chitosan composite hydrogel as efficient adsorbent for Congo red

A simple approach was utilized to synthesize graphene/chitosan-based hydrogel using glutaraldehyde as crosslinking agent in room temperature. The composite aerogel was used for removal of cationic and anionic dyes from aqueous solution. It showed high adsorption capacity towards Congo red as an anionic dye. Adsorption experiments were performed based on various parameters, such as initial Congo red concentration, solution pH and contact time. The kinetics data were analyzed using four different models and the pseudo-second-order model best described the adsorption of Congo red aerogel. The Equilibrium adsorption isotherm data indicated that equilibrium data were fitted to the Langmuir isotherm. The maximum dye adsorption capacity calculated from the Langmuir isotherm equation was 384.62 mg g⁻¹. Moreover, the aerogel was stable and easily recovered, and adsorption capacity was about 100% of the initial saturation adsorption capacity after being used three times.

Graphene/chitosan-based hydrogel was synthesized using glutaraldehyde as crosslinking agent in room temperature and it used for removal of Congo red dye from aqueous solution.