Author(s):
Arindam Sarkar, Shila Barman, Sanchita Mandal
Email(s):
smandal.pharmacy@jadavpuruniversity.in , Sanchitaju2@gmail.com
DOI:
10.52711/2231-5659.2026.00032 
Address:
Arindam Sarkar, Shila Barman, Sanchita Mandal*
Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Jadavpur University, Kolkata, West Bengal, India, 700032.
*Corresponding Author
Published In:
Volume - 16,
Issue - 3,
Year - 2026
ABSTRACT:
Objective: In this study, we are interested in the synthesis and characterization of chitosan (CS) polyelectrolyte complexes (PECs) with sodium alginate (SA) or carboxylated sodium alginate (CMA) for its self-antimicrobial property. Significance: The rising dependence on petrochemical-based synthetic packaging has posed severe environmental issues owing to its non-biodegradable character. The evolution of biodegradable and edible packaging options, as exemplified by PECs, offers eco-friendly ways of prolonging the shelf life of food commodities and improving food safety. Methods: PECs were prepared by ionic interaction between CS and SA or CMA with yields of 88.59% and 90% for PEC-CS&SA and PEC-CS&CMA, respectively. Characterization methods such as Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and optical microscopy were used to confirm the formation and structural properties of the complexes. Antimicrobial efficacy of the PECs was established against Gram-positive (Bacillus subtilis) and Gram-negative (Escherichia coli) bacteria using the agar diffusion method. Results: FTIR spectra indicated the formation of PECs with unique spectral patterns typical of electrostatic interactions. Optical microscopy confirmed uneven, fibrous surface morphology of the PECs. Antimicrobial activity of PEC-CS&SA evidenced zones of inhibition of 10.4 mm against Gram-positive and 14.3 mm against Gram-negative bacteria. PEC-CS&CMA evidenced a zone of inhibition of 14.0 mm against Gram-negative bacteria but minimal activity (1.5 mm) against Gram-positive bacteria. Conclusion: The synthesized PECs exhibited enhanced antibacterial activity against their respective native polymers, indicating their potential as effective biodegradable and edible packaging materials. The study illustrates the promising use of PECs in food preservation, drug delivery offering a sustainable approach to improving food safety and shelf life while minimizing the environmental problems associated with traditional packaging procedures and drug delivery system.
Cite this article:
Arindam Sarkar, Shila Barman, Sanchita Mandal. Sodium alginate derived Carboxymethyl Alginate-Chitosan and Chitosan-Alginate Complexes: A Dual-Action Antimicrobial effect against Bacillus subtilis and Escherichia coli. Asian Journal of Research in Pharmaceutical Sciences. 2026; 16(3):207-6. doi: 10.52711/2231-5659.2026.00032
Cite(Electronic):
Arindam Sarkar, Shila Barman, Sanchita Mandal. Sodium alginate derived Carboxymethyl Alginate-Chitosan and Chitosan-Alginate Complexes: A Dual-Action Antimicrobial effect against Bacillus subtilis and Escherichia coli. Asian Journal of Research in Pharmaceutical Sciences. 2026; 16(3):207-6. doi: 10.52711/2231-5659.2026.00032 Available on: https://ajpsonline.com/AbstractView.aspx?PID=2026-16-3-1
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