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Hybrid Nanoscale Architecture for Enhancement of Antimicrobial Activity: Immobilization of Silver Nanoparticles on Thiol‐Functionalized Polymer Crystallized on Carbon Nanotubes
Author(s) -
Misra R. Devesh K.,
Girase Bhupendra,
Depan Dilip,
Shah Jinesh S.
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
advanced engineering materials
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.938
H-Index - 114
eISSN - 1527-2648
pISSN - 1438-1656
DOI - 10.1002/adem.201180081
Subject(s) - antimicrobial , materials science , carbon nanotube , thiol , polymer , nanoparticle , nanotechnology , silver nanoparticle , copolymer , nanoscopic scale , nanomaterials , crystallization , nanocomposite , chemical engineering , polymer chemistry , organic chemistry , chemistry , composite material , engineering
Abstract We describe here the synthesis and antimicrobial activity of an innovative nanohybrid system, characterized by attachment of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) to the thiol‐functionalized polymer that was periodically crystallized on carbon nanotubes (CNTs). The synthesis of the nanohybrid architecture first involved direct crystallization of thiol‐functionalized copolymer along the long axis of CNTs, followed by attachment of AgNPs to the thiol‐group of functionalized copolymer. The antimicrobial activity was assessed in terms of interaction with Escherichia coli , where the constituents of the nanohybrid structure play a synergistic role. The antimicrobial activity was approximately four orders of magnitude greater than the ex situ precipitated bare AgNPs. Possible mechanisms underlying enhanced antimicrobial activity are discussed. The study underscores the potential of uniquely combining CNTs and biopolymers for biomedical applications, in the present case, antimicrobial activity.