Highly efficient capture of Escherichia coli using chitosan-lysozyme modified nanofiber membranes: Potential applications in food packaging and water treatment

Abstract

Functionalized nanofiber membranes play a vital role in water treatment by effectively removing pollutants such as heavy metals and dyes. However, microbial contamination remains a significant challenge. This study created a novel antibacterial nanofiber membrane by grafting chitosan (CS) and lysozyme (LYZ) onto a P-COOH weak ion exchange nanofiber membrane. The physical features of the nanofiber membranes were studied, and the immobilization of CS and LYZ onto P-COOH nanofiber membranes was examined to improve Escherichia coli (E. coli) killing. The membrane exhibited impressive antibacterial properties, achieving approximately 100 % efficacy against E. coli. It maintained high effectiveness even after reuse and storage, with 98.71 % efficacy after five cycles of reuse. Cytotoxicity tests confirmed high biocompatibility with a 100 % viability rate. The innovation of this study lies in the grafting of CS and LYZ onto P-COOH weak ion exchange nanofiber membranes, resulting in a highly efficient antibacterial composite. The P-COOH-CS-LYZ membrane exhibits superior antibacterial efficacy and maintains its high effectiveness after repeated reuse and long-term storage, underscoring its durability and practical applicability. Additionally, its high biocompatibility and sustainable design, using natural and non-toxic agents, represent a significant advancement in eco-friendly water treatment technologies. This dual-functional membrane effectively addresses microbial contamination and pollutant removal, offering a comprehensive solution for water treatment.