Synthesis of biochar conjugated Schiff base composites and their enhanced antimicrobial activity against five pathogenic organisms

Abstract

The search for antimicrobial drug of high bio-efficacy not prone to multiple microbial resistance has been on the rise in recent time. This study focused on the preparation, characterization and antimicrobial evaluation of Schiff functionalized HNO₃ activated plantain peel and rice husk biochar against five pathogenic bacteria. The activated rice husk and plantain peel biochar were characterized using Braunauer-Emmett-Teller, X-ray diffraction and Fourier transform infra-red spectroscopy. Based on the result, the activated rice husk and plantain peel biochar were amorphous and crystalline respectively with pore surface area and pore size for activated rice husk and plantain peel biochar as 9.369 and 27.32 (m².g^-1) and 8.790 and 16.65 (cc.g^-1), respectively. The Fourier transform infra-red spectroscopy result indicated bonds, such as –OH, C=O and –N-H, where actual chelation and electrostatic attraction mechanism are prevalent responsible
for antimicrobial potency. The cell bioactivity was hampered due to permeation of the biocidal agents, cell membrane disruption and generation of reactive oxygen species enhanced by conjugation of Schiff base based biochar to the microbial cell wall leading to death of microbes. The ease of Schiff base release and reusability of the nanocomposite favors the product as an efficient, low cost, effective and promising nanocomposite for decontamination of bacteria infested media.