Synthesis and characterization of chitosan-g-poly(AMPS-co-AA-co-AM)/ground basalt composite hydrogel: antibacterial activity

A novel mineral-based superabsorbent hydrogel composite, poly (2-acrylamido-2-methylpropanesulfonic acid-co-acrylic acid-co-acrylamide)/ground basalt: CS-g-P(AMPS-co-AA-co-AM)/BST/BST, is prepared under microwave irradiation. The structural and morphological characterization of hydrogel is assessed using FTIR spectroscopy, X-ray diffractometry and scanning electron microscopy. The thermal stability of the hydrogel composite is explored using thermogravimetric analysis. The swelling kinetics of the hydrogel and the influence of the pH and the ionic strength of the surrounding solution on water absorbing capacity are also studied. The antibacterial activity of the superabsorbent composite against Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and Escherichia coli (E. coli) assayed by the inhibitory zone tests has shown that the introduction of ground basalt enhances the inhibition of the bacteria growth by simple contact with the hydrogel. To the authors' knowledge, there have been no published scientific works that examine the synergistic bactericidal potency of combining ground basalt and chitosan-based hydrogels.