Physicochemical, Bacteriostatic, and Biological Properties of Starch/Chitosan Polymer Composites Modified by Graphene Oxide, Designed as New Bionanomaterials

Abstract

The application of natural polymer matrices as medical device components or food packaging materials has gained a considerable popularity in recent years, this has occurred in response to the increasing plastic pollution hazard. Currently, constant progress is being made in designing two-component or three-component systems that combine natural materials which help to achieve a quality comparable to the purely synthetic counterparts. This study describes a green synthesis preparation of new bionanocomposites consisting of starch/chitosan/graphene oxide (GO), that possess improved biological activities; namely, good tolerability by human cells with concomitant antimicrobial activity. The structural and morphological properties of bionanocomposites were analyzed using the following techniques: dynamic light scattering, scanning and transmission electron microscopy, wettability and free surface energy determination, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The study confirmed the homogenous distribution of GO layers within the starch/chitosan matrix and their large particle size. The interactions among the components were stronger in thin films. Additionally, differential scanning calorimetry analysis, UV–vis spectroscopy, surface colour measurements, transparency, water content, solubility, and swelling degree of composites were also performed. The mechanical parameters, such as tensile strength and elongation at break (EAB) were measured in order to characterise the functional properties of obtained nanocomposites. The GO additive altered the thermal features of the composites and decreased their brightness. The EAB of composite was improved by the introduction of GO. Importantly, cell-based analyses revealed no toxic effect of the composites on HaCat keratinocytes and HepG2 hepatoma cells, although a pronounced bacteriostatic effect against various strains of pathogenic bacteria was observed. In conclusion, the starch/chitosan/GO nanocomposites reveal numerous useful physicochemical and biological features, which make them a promising alternative for purely synthetic materials.

Aminated Graphene-Graft-Oligo(Glutamic Acid) /Poly(ε-Caprolactone) Composites: Preparation, Characterization and Biological Evaluation

“…At the same time, GO and rGO similar to graphene enhances the mechanical properties of polymer materials [ 24 , 25 ]. Recently, Krystyjan et al and Mohamad et al prepared the starch/chitosan [ 26 ] and chitosan/PLA-based [ 27 ] composites containing GO as filler, respectively. In both cases, the addition of GO improved the mechanical properties of polymer materials.…”

Biodegradable Binary and Ternary Complexes from Renewable Raw Materials

“…They may also exhibit varied mechanisms: passive or active action [116]. Examples of polymers with such an effect are chitosan [110], lysozyme [117] and bacteriocins [118]. Additionally, the antimicrobial properties of the polymer complexes are enhanced by introducing metals, e.g., silver [119], essential oils [120] or organic acids with a preservative effect [121] into their structure.…”

“…Starch films show poor mechanical and low barrier properties; hence, starch has been complexed with other polymers, thereby improving the physical and mechanical properties of such films. For example, Krystyjan et al reinforced starch-based films with psyllium mucilage in order to obtain natural, edible and biodegradable films with improved mechanical and functional properties [ 110 ]. Kasmuri and Zait used eggshell and chitosan as fillers in potato starch to overcome the inherent drawbacks of bio-plastic [ 111 ].…”

“…The authors claimed that the tensile strength of composites with GO nanoparticles were comparable with commodity plastic films such as HDPE ( High Density Polyethylene ) and LDPE ( Low Density Polyethylene) . Additionally, cell-based analyses showed no toxic effect of the composites on HaCat keratinocytes and HepG2 hepatoma cells [ 110 ]. Jamróz et al developed films based on furcellaran (FUR) and nanofillers (graphene oxide (GO), multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and silver nanoparticles (AgNPs)) via a solution casting method.…”

Cellular Automata Modeling of Three-Dimensional Chitosan-Based Aerogels Fiberous Structures with Bezier Curves

“…In [ 7 ], cationic chitosan was used to obtain nanocarriers with controlled release properties. In [ 8 ], bionanocomposites consisting of potato starch, chitosan, and graphene oxide showed different properties useful for various applications, particularly in food products packaging materials.…”