Antimicrobial activity of copper-polyaniline nanocomposite

Abstract

By combining copper nanoparticles (CuNPs) as a good antimicrobial agent with polyaniline (PANI), which also shows some degree of antimicrobial activity, we were able to synthesize a novel promising antimicrobial material – copper-polyaniline (Cu-PANI) nanocomposite. It was prepared by simple in situ polymerization method, when thepolymer and metal nanoparticles (dav= 6 nm)are produced simultaneously.Quantitative (antimicrobial assay) and qualitative (atomic force microscopy – AFM) analyses showed that synergestic effect of CuNPs and PANI against bacteriaE. coli andS. aureus,and fungusC. albicans, provides its faster andhigher antimicrobial activity than any component acting alone.This makes it a great candidate for fast waste water treatment.