BACKGROUND The present study explores the synthesis of chitosan–metal nanocomposites in view of their increasing application as antimicrobial material. RESULTS Chitosan nanoparticles were prepared by ionic gelation between chitosan and sodium tripolyphosphate. Copper sulphate hydrate (CuSO4.5H2O) and zinc acetate (Zn (O2CCH3)2) were used as precursors for synthesis of chitosan–copper nanocomposites (Cu/Ch) and chitosan–zinc nanocomposites (Zn/Ch), respectively. Synthesis of nanocomposites was confirmed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X‐ray microanalyses (SEM‐EDX) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Cytotoxicity of nanoformulations was studied by Resazurin assay on Vero cell line (African green monkey kidney cell line). Their antibacterial activities were assessed by the zone of inhibition method and time dependent growth curve against Micrococcus luteus MTCC 1809, Pseudomonas aeruginosa MTCC 424 and Salmonella enterica MTCC 1253 in vitro. Antifungal activity was also studied against Alternaria alterneta, Rhizoctonia solani and Aspergillus flavus in vitro by the mycelium inhibition method. CONCLUSIONS It was observed that all nanoformulations show high antimicrobial activity against all test microorganisms. So chitosan–metal complexes could be promising candidates for novel antimicrobial agents in cosmetic, food and textile industries. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry

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Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is an umbrella term used to describe disorders that involve Crohn’s disease (CD), ulcerative colitis (UC) and pouchitis. The disease occurrence is more prevalent in the working group population which not only hampers the well being of an individual but also has negative economical impact on society. The current drug regime used therapy is very costly owing to the chronic nature of the disease leading to several side effects. The condition gets more aggravated due to the lower concentration of drug at the desired site. Therefore, in the present scenario, a therapy is needed which can maximize efficacy, adhere to quality of life, minimize toxicity and doses, be helpful in maintaining and stimulating physical growth of mucosa with minimum disease complications. In this aspect, nanotechnology intervention is one promising field as it can act as a carrier to reduce toxicity, doses and frequency which in turn help in faster recovery. Moreover, nanomedicine and nanodiagnostic techniques will further open a new window for treatment in understanding pathogenesis along with better diagnosis which is poorly understood till now. Therefore the present review is more focused on recent advancements in IBD in the application of nanotechnology.