An Exploration of Electrocatalytic Analysis and Antibacterial Efficacy of Electrically Conductive Poly (D-Glucosamine)/Graphene Oxide Bionanohybrid

The diversification of environment congenial and conservative nanocomposites is prestigious because of increasing contamination in biota. Poly (D-glucosamine), a natural biopolymer is contemplated as a promising biodegradable polysaccharide for various applications mainly in food packaging, bone substitutes, and water filtration. The drawback of poly (D-glucosamine) is nadir mechanical strength and high hydrophilicity which could be amended by the introduction of graphene oxide (GO) nanoparticles (shows excellent load transfer). Homogeneous distribution and well dispersion of GO nanoparticles in poly (D-glucosamine) matrix have been concluded by SEM investigation. Inclusions of 1% GO into the biopolymer matrix results in enhancement of 83.21 MPa of tensile strength in contrary to pristine poly (D-glucosamine). It can be elucidated that increment in properties is due to the crosslinking reaction takes place between the amine and epoxide moieties that exist within poly (D-glucosamine) matrix and GO respectively. The thermal stability of nanocomposites has been increased on addition of nanofiller confirmed by TGA analysis. The resultant nanocomposites were examined for antimicrobial screening against various contagious bacterial strains for packaging applications. Electrochemical characteristics and capacitive investigation of the composites were also studied using cyclic voltammetry and impedance (EIS) respectively. EIS elucidated that the nanocomposite modified electrode exhibited good capacitance behaviour with the Bode phase angle (-45 degrees) which proves the candidates have good capacitive properties. The electrocatalytic properties are found to be diffusion controlled in alkaline medium with good electrical conductivity with low resistance. It is envisioned that the resultant bionanocomposite has potential applications in packaging industry.