Evaluation of chitosan and chitosan silver nanocomposites against bacterial pathogens of tropical tasar silkworm, Antheraea mylitta Drurry

Aim: The present research work was carried out to evaluate the effect of commercially available shrimp chitosan and chitosan silver nanocomposites (CSN) on the inhibition of bacterial pathogens of tropical tasar silkworm. Methodology: Synthesis of chitosan silver nanocomposite was by carried by using chemical precipitation method. The synthesized nanocomposites were characterized using different techniques. Further, antimicrobial potential of the chitosan and chitosan silver nanocomposites was evaluated by in vitro inhibition assay. The minimum inhibitory concentration of both chitosan and chitosan nanocomposites was estimated against bacterial pathogens of tasar silkworm. Results: Chitosan at different concentrations showed antibacterial activity against the bacterial pathogens (Bacillus spp., Micrococcus spp., and Serratia spp.) of tropical tasar silkworm under in vitro conditions. The 0.2% concentration of chitosan and CSN was identified as a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) against bacterial pathogens. Interpretation: Based on the findings of this study, the 0.2% concentration of CSNs may be considered as minimum inhibitory concentration against bacterial pathogens infecting tropical tasar silkworms. Key words: Bacterial pathogens, Chitosan silver nanocomposites, Tropical tasar silkworm