Absorption and release of zinc and copper ions by chitosan fibers

Abstract

Chitosan fibers were treated with aqueous solutions of ZnCl 2 and CuSO 4 Á5H 2 O to prepare zinc and copper containing fibers, respectively. Significant weight gains were obtained as the zinc and copper ions were absorbed onto the fibers through chelation with the primary amine groups. The fibers were then placed in contact with aqueous solutions containing NaCl and water soluble proteins, respectively, to assess the release of zinc and copper ions. Results showed that the release of zinc and copper ions were affected by the treatment temperature, time, and the composition of the contacting media. More metal ions were released when the fibers were in contact with aqueous protein solutions than in NaCl solution, indicating the binding abilities of the protein molecules for zinc and copper ions. The zinc and copper containing fibers were tested for their antimicrobial effects against several species of bacteria commonly found in wound and skin. Results showed that these metal containing chitosan fibers had much stronger antimicrobial properties than the original chitosan fiber.

The antimicrobial properties of copper surfaces against a range of important nosocomial pathogens

“…A variety of approaches are under development to overcome issues of biofouling of copper surfaces with concomitant reduction in antimicrobial properties. These include insertion of copper compounds in chitosan and glass fibres, paints, varnish and stainless steel (during manufacture) along with the development of copper based nanoparticles and surface coating of silicone rubbers with copper (Cooney, 1995;Abou Neel et al, 2005;Song et al, 2005;Baena et al, 2006;Qin et al, 2007;Ruparelia et al, 2008;Thneibat et al, 2008;Wheeldon et al, 2008). Multiple metal * Corresponding Author.…”

Cu(II)-Cross-linked Chitosan Membrane (CCCM): Preparation, Characterization and Urea Removal Study Using the Diffusion-Cell Model (DCM)

“…This indicates that CCCM exhibits a fair antibacterial property which may probably be attributed to the presence of Cu(II) in the CS film which binds with the microbial DNA to prevent bacterial replication, and also to the sulfydryl groups of the metabolic enzymes of the bacterial electron transport chain, thus causing their inactivation [37]. Here it is worth mentioning that Cu(II) is a well-known antibacterial and has already been applied in burn dressings [38]. Therefore, it can be claimed that Cu(II)-cross-linked CS membrane exhibits a fair antibacterial property.…”

Antimicrobial Reagents as Functional Finishing for Textiles Intended for Biomedical Applications. III. Other Metals and Metallic Compounds

“…Prior to their finishing, the chitosan fibers submitted to this treatment were dried under controlled conditions (at 105°C for 4 h) and then immersed into the aqueous solutions of metal salts [12]. The same procedure is used for Co (II) and manganese (Mn II) compounds.…”

“…Aqueous solutions of CuSO 4 •5H 2 O were employed to prepare copper-containing chitosan fibers [12], as well as zinc impreganted fibers, using ZnCl 2 solution. Significant weight gain was obtained as the zinc and copper ions were adsorbed onto the fibers through chelation with the primary amine groups from the chitosan structure.…”