Biomaterial-based sponge for efficient and environmentally sound removal of bacteria from water

• Published in: Scientific reports Vol. 14; no. 1; pp. 12496 - 10
• Main Authors: You, Zewang, Lorente, Alejandro, Marlina, Dini, Haag, Rainer, Wagner, Olaf
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: London Nature Publishing Group UK 31.05.2024; Nature Publishing Group; Nature Portfolio
• Subjects: 639/301; 639/638; Adsorption; Ammonium; Anti-Bacterial Agents - chemistry; Anti-Bacterial Agents - pharmacology; Antibacterial activity; Bacillus subtilis - drug effects; Biocompatible Materials - chemistry; Biomaterials; Cellulose; Cellulose - chemistry; Cellulose fibers; Chitosan; Chitosan - chemistry; E coli; Escherichia coli - drug effects; Fibers; Humanities and Social Sciences; Mechanical properties; multidisciplinary; Porosity; Quaternary Ammonium Compounds - chemistry; Quaternary Ammonium Compounds - pharmacology; Science; Science (multidisciplinary); Surface charge; Water Microbiology; Water Purification - methods
• ISSN: 2045-2322; 2045-2322
• DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-61483-8

Designing materials capable of disinfecting water without releasing harmful by-products is an ongoing challenge. Here, we report a novel polycationic sponge material synthesized from chitosan derivatives and cellulose fibers, exhibiting antibacterial properties. The design of such material is based on three key principles. First, the formation of a highly porous structure through cryogelation for an extensive surface area. Second, the incorporation of cationic quaternary ammonium moieties onto chitosan to enhance bacterial adsorption and antibacterial activity. Lastly, the reinforcement of mechanical properties through integration of cellulose fibers. The presented sponge materials exhibit up to a 4-log (99.99%) reduction within 6 h against both gram-positive B. subtilis and gram-negative E. coli . Notably, QCHI90/Cell, with the highest surface charge, exhibits a 2–4.5 log reduction within 1 h of incubation time. The eco-friendly synthesis from water and readily available biomaterials, along with cost-effectiveness and simplicity, underscores its versatility and feasibility of upscaling. Together with its outstanding antibacterial activity, this macroporous biomaterial emerges as a promising candidate for water disinfection applications.