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Poly (ether) sulfone electrospun nanofibrous membranes embedded with graphene oxide quantum dots with antimicrobial activity

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Abstract

This work describes the development of novel electrospun nanofibrous membranes (ENMs) prepared by embedding graphene oxide quantum dots (GOQDs) into poly (ether) sulfone (PES). FTIR and Raman spectroscopy confirmed the successful incorporation of the GOQDs into the PES membranes. The optimal electrospinning polymer concentration that showed no defects or bead formation was at 26 wt% of the PES polymer. Spectroscopy, microscopy and contact angle were some of the techniques used to characterize the ENMs. SEM images showed smooth and unbranched ENMs. The average diameter upon incorporation of the GOQDs was determined to be 2.45 μm. XRD revealed that the GOQDs were structurally close to graphite with an interlaying space of 0.36 nm. The antimicrobial effect of the GOQDs-PES electrospun nanofibrous membranes was assessed against three bacterial strains (Escherichia coli (E. coli), Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and Bacillus cereus (B. cereus)) using the disc diffusion method. The electrospun nanofibres containing 10 wt% of GOQDs showed the most active antimicrobial activity against all three bacterial strains tested. The zones of inhibition ranged from 9 to 40 mm. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was determined to be 0.5 mg/mL, 0.3 mg/mL and 0.2 mg/mL for E. coli, B. cereus and S. aureus, respectively. The results demonstrated that incorporating GOQDs in the PES nanofibre gives rise to new antimicrobial properties, and as a result, the GOQDs-PES nanofibrous membrane can be used in antimicrobial applications such as water treatment.

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Funding

This work received financial support from the University of South Africa and the National Research Foundation of South Africa.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Nanotechnology and Water Sustainability Research Unit, College of Science, Engineering and Technology, University of South Africa, Florida, Johannesburg, 1709, South Africa

    Charmaine S. Tshangana, Adolph A. Muleja & Edward N. Nxumalo

  2. Sabinano Innovation in Carbon Nanotechnology Research & Development and Industrial Applications Division, Strijdom Park, Randburg, Johannesburg, 2194, South Africa

    Sabelo D. Mhlanga

  3. DST/Mintek Nanotechnology Innovation Centre, Mintek, Private Bag X3015, Randburg, Johannesburg, 2124, South Africa

    Sabelo D. Mhlanga

Authors
  1. Charmaine S. Tshangana
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  2. Adolph A. Muleja
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  3. Edward N. Nxumalo
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  4. Sabelo D. Mhlanga
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Corresponding authors

Correspondence to Edward N. Nxumalo or Sabelo D. Mhlanga.

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Tshangana, C.S., Muleja, A.A., Nxumalo, E.N. et al. Poly (ether) sulfone electrospun nanofibrous membranes embedded with graphene oxide quantum dots with antimicrobial activity. Environ Sci Pollut Res 27, 26845–26855 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-020-09080-w

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