Synthesis and Characterization of Functionalized Starch by Grafting Pyridine for Use in Antimicrobial Applications

The urgent need for new, efficient solutions to antibiotic resistance is a serious worldwide healthcare concern. Recently, new classes of antimicrobials known as antimicrobial polymers have played a significant role in tackling multidrug-resistant bacteria. To achieve this purpose, antimicrobial biodegradable materials made from affordable renewable resources, including polysaccharides, are extensively applied. Here, this study presents a simple one-pot method for generating powerful antimicrobial polymer using soluble starch and an easily accessible chemical pyridine. The quaternary pyridine-grafted starch (St-QP) is prepared and characterized using structural and thermal techniques. To assess the antimicrobial capabilities of the St-QP for textile application, antimicrobial activities of the St-QP, antimicrobial activity of the St-QP-coated fabric, cytotoxicity, durability of the St-QP coated fabric, surface morphology of St-QP coated fabric and antimicrobial activity after washing cycles are also examined. According to the findings, St-QP and its modified materials have shown good antimicrobial activity against three bacteria, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Mycobacterium smegmatis, and the fungus Candida albicans. The St-QP displays low toxicity to human fibroblasts, and after being coated on fabrics, it shows good durability and antimicrobial activity. The St-QP coated fabric material shows 80% inhibition for all four microorganisms even after 25 washing cycles.