We have developed a new method to synthesize biocompatible films from cellulose (CEL), chitosan (CHI), keratin (KER) (from chicken feather, hair or wool), and Zinc Oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) for biomedical application. An ionic liquid, butylmethylimidazolium chloride (BMIm+Cl-), was used as the sole solvent to dissolve the proteins, polysaccharides and ZnO, and since used (BMIm+Cl-) was also recovered for reuse. The method is green and recyclable. FTIR results show that KER, CEL and CS remained chemically intact in the composites. X-ray diffraction and SEM results indicate that ZnONPs with size of 35-40 nm is homogeneously distributed in the composites. Results of bioassays indicate that the composites are effective antimicrobial against a wide range of bacteria and fungi including antibiotic resistant bacteria such as methicillin resistant S. aureus (MRSA) and Vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus (VRE). More importantly, the composites are completely biocompatible. Taken together, the composites possess all required properties for use as high performance materials including dressing to treat chronic ulcerous and infected wounds of diabetes.

Zinc oxide nanoparticle composites from keratin, cellulose and chitosan: Antimicrobial properties and synthesis

255th National Meeting (2018)

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