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

Chitosan (Cs)-based silver-doped titanium dioxide (Cs-AgTiO 2 ) films were synthesized intending their end-use application in food packaging. AgTiO 2 NPs were successfully prepared by using electrochemical synthesis. Cs-AgTiO 2 films were synthesized by using the solution casting technique. Various advanced instrumental techniques such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) were used for the characterization of Cs-AgTiO 2 films. Intending their food packaging applications, samples were further investigated to obtain varied biological results including antibacterial ( Escherichia coli ), antifungal ( Candida albicans ), 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 shifting was observed, which confirmed that AgTiO 2 interacted with chitosan via amide I and amide II groups. This confirmed the stability of the filler in the polymer matrix. SEM also confirmed the successful incorporation of AgTiO 2 NPs. Cs-AgTiO 2 (3%) shows excellent antibacterial (16.51 ± 2.10 μg/mL) and antifungal (15.67 ± 2.14 μg/mL) activities. Nematicidal assays were also done, and Caenorhabditis elegans ( C. elegans ) was used as a model organism. Cs-AgTiO 2 NPs (3%) exhibited excellent nematicidal potential (64.20 ± 1.23 μg/mL), which could make these films a suitable novel material to control nematode spread in food.