Immobilized silver nano-particles (Ag NPs) possess excellent antimicrobial properties due to their unique surface characteristics. In this paper, immobilized silver nano-particles were synthesized in the presence of chitin nano-crystals (CNC) based on the Tollens mechanism (reduction of silver ion by aldehydes in the chitosan oligosaccharides (COS)) under microwave-assisted conditions. The prepared Ag NPs-loaded CNC nano-composites were then applied onto the paper surface via coating for the preparation of antibacterial paper. Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) results confirmed that the Ag NPs were immobilized onto the CNC. The transmission electron microscope (TEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) results further revealed that the spherical Ag NPs (5–12 nm) were well dispersed on the surface of CNC. The coated paper made from the Ag NPs-loaded CNC nano-composites exhibited a high effectiveness of the antibacterial activity against E. coli or S. aureus . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Abstract: Chitosan–guanidine complexes were prepared by reacting chitosan and polyhexamethylene guanidine hydrochloride or crosslinked polyhexamethylene guanidine hydrochloride in the presence of sodium tripolyphosphate as a crosslinking agent. The complexes, used as functional additives for paper, synergistically improved wet-strength and antimicrobial activities. In comparison with the control sample, the wet/dry strength ratio of hand-sheets treated with the complexes was increased from 2.65% up to 23.3%. The MIC values of the chitosan–PHGH and chitosan–PHGHE complexes against Escherichia coli were 15.6 and 31.2μgmL−1, respectively, thus demonstrating excellent antimicrobial activity. Hand-sheets treated with the complexes exhibited antibacterial activity against E. coli and Staphylococcus aureus. The release of the guanidine polymers included in the complexes was dynamically monitored using UV and the results showed the amount released exceeded 80%. Atomic force microscopy images indicated that the antimicrobial mechanism of the complexes was likely due to membrane damage. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]