Evaluating the Antibacterial Properties of a Zeolite-Chitosan Biocomposite for Medical Applications

Abstract

: Antibacterial substances have garnered significant interest in recent years due to their applications in medical equipment, prostheses, and drug delivery systems. Consequently, it is essential to identify and develop biomaterials with antibacterial properties tailored to specific target sites. This study utilizes two natural biomaterials: Chitosan and zeolite. Zeolite, a bioceramic with an aluminosilicate structure, exhibits high mechanical resistance, making it ideal for use in areas of the body that endure significant pressure, such as bones and teeth. Chitosan, on the other hand, possesses excellent properties for application in various bodily tissues. However, natural polymers like chitosan are often combined with other materials in composites to enhance their mechanical resistance. This research investigates the antibacterial properties of a biocomposite made from zeolite and chitosan against two types of bacteria: Staphylococcus aureus (gram-positive) and Escherichia coli (gram-negative). The results revealed that the composite exhibited strong resistance against E. coli but comparatively lower resistance to S. aureus. Furthermore, the findings suggest that chitosan plays a more significant role in conferring these antibacterial properties.