Research Articles

2018  |  Vol: 3(2)  |  Issue: 2(March-April) | https://doi.org/10.31024/apj.2018.3.2.5

Antimicrobial properties of biocomposite films from kappa-Carrageenan (kC) filled with Nanorod-rich Zinc Oxide (ZnO-N)

Flyndon Mark S. Dagalea^1*, Karina Milagros R. Cui-Lim, PhD^1,2

¹Department of Physical Sciences, College of Science,

University of Eastern Philippines, University Town, Northern Samar, Philippines 6400

²University Research and Development Services,

University of Eastern Philippines, University Town, Northern Samar, Philippines 6400

*Address for Corresponding author

Karina Milagros R. Cui-Lim

University Research and Development Services,

University of Eastern Philippines, University Town, Northern Samar, Philippines 6400

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Abstract

Objective: A natural polymer, carrageenan is a product derived from the extract of seaweeds. With its bioavailability at low cost and biodegradability, carrageenan has been gaining vast applications and researches this past year. On the other hand, nanoparticles have indulged the world of science with new techniques and approaches. Materials and methods: Nanorod-rich zinc oxide has been used against E. coli and S. aureus in different researches with results in the decrease of bacterial population. In this approach, kC bionanocomposite films was filled with ZnO-N and used against four different bacteria: Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Enterobacter aerogenes, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Bacterial effects of the film were determined using the zone of inhibition. Results and conclusion: Results showed that, the biocomposite kC/ZnO-N film exhibited a good antimicrobial property to the bacteria sample except P. aeruginosa, a multi-drug resistant bacteria.

Keywords: Nanorod-rich Zinc Oxide (ZnO-N), biocomposite films, kappa-carrageenan (kC), antimicrobial property