Synthesis, Characterization, and Antimicrobial and Nematicidal Activities of Chitosan-Based Silver-Doped Titanium Dioxide

Chitosan (Cs)-basedsilver-doped titanium dioxide (Cs-AgTiO2) films were synthesizedintending their end-use applicationin food packaging. AgTiO2 NPs were successfully preparedby using electrochemical synthesis. Cs-AgTiO2 films weresynthesized by using the solution casting technique. Various advancedinstrumental techniques such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM),X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), transmission electron microscopy(TEM), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) were usedfor the characterization of Cs-AgTiO2 films. Intendingtheir food packaging applications, samples were further investigatedto obtain varied biological results including antibacterial (Escherichia coli), antifungal (Candidaalbicans), and nematicidal activities. Ampicillin (E. coli) and fluconazole (C. albicans) were used as models.FT-IR and XRD confirm the structural modification of Cs. IR peak shiftingwas observed, which confirmed that AgTiO2 interacted withchitosan via amide I and amide II groups. This confirmed the stabilityof the filler in the polymer matrix. SEM also confirmed the successfulincorporation of AgTiO2 NPs. Cs-AgTiO2 (3%)shows excellent antibacterial (16.51 +/- 2.10 mu g/mL) andantifungal (15.67 +/- 2.14 mu g/mL) activities. Nematicidalassays were also done, and Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) was used as a modelorganism. Cs-AgTiO2 NPs (3%) exhibited excellent nematicidalpotential (64.20 +/- 1.23 mu g/mL), which could make thesefilms a suitable novel material to control nematode spread in food.

Automated summary

Chitosan-based silver-doped titanium dioxide (Cs-AgTiO2) films were successfully synthesized and characterized. The films exhibited excellent antibacterial, antifungal, and nematicidal activities, making them a promising material for controlling nematodes in food.