engleski

Antimicrobial efficiency evaluation by monitoring potassium efflux for cellulose fibres functionalised by chitosan

As there is a large gap in the field of fibre microbiological testing, the successful establishment of appropriate techniques is extremely appreciated. Antimicrobials prevent bacterial cell division by damaging the cell wall or affecting the permeabilities of cells’ membranes ; they denature proteins, block enzyme activity, prevent cell survival, etc. Intracellular potassium cations are released by the inhibitions of pathogenic micro-organisms. Their quantitative determination enables monitoring of the bactericidal effect regarding antimicrobials. It can be used as an alternative technique for determining the inhibition of micro-organisms in contact with antimicrobial agents. Chitosan, a biodegradable natural polymer, possesses antimicrobial characteristics that depend on a number of factors such as the protonated amino groups’ quantities, degree of acetylation, molecular weight, solvents, etc. Over recent years chitosan has become extremely attractive for fibre functionalization usage. The aim of this paper was to apply spectrophotometry and potentiometry using potassium ion-selective electrode, respectively, for the quantitative analysis of potassium efflux, resulting from the degradation of micro-organisms’ membranes in contact with chitosan itself, as well as with cellulose fibres functionalised by chitosan.

Anti-microbial activity ; Atomic emission ; Cellulose fibres ; Potassium efflux ; Potentiometric titration

Predmetni rad je nastao kao suradnja Slovenske i Hrvatske ekipe te je i plod podijeljenog mentorstva diplomskog rada studenta Marka Munde (magistarske naloge, Sveučilište u Mariboru)