In this study, carboxylated nanocrystalline cellulose is surface functionalized by a chromophoric nitro radical (NO) photodonor via covalent bonding. The resulting new photoactive nanohybrid material displays an effective photogeneration of NO radicals upon illumination by light. The release of NO radicals has been chemically detected by various spectroscopic techniques. The bactericidal activity of the novel nanohybrid is effectively demonstrated against both Gram positive (Staphylococcus aureus) and Gram negative (Pseudomonas aeruginosa) bacteria with light. This novel nanohybrid material has the advantages of easily forming aqueous suspensions and capable of releasing NO radicals in the aqueous media as well as possessing the ability of controlled NO release only by light illumination. The combination of these attractive properties makes the nano- bio- hybrid material highly promising for applications in antimicrobial, therapeutic, and pharmaceutical areas.
Keywords: NO photodonor; antibacterial; cellulose; covalent functionalization; nitro radical.
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