Research Projects

Among advanced material, responsive biopolymers have demonstrated significant potential in materials science; however, innovative designs aimed at resisting pathogen growth are remain unexplored. The recent pandemic has underscored the impacts of pathogen transmission whether bacterial, fungal, or viral and the risks associated with contaminated surfaces on human health, leading to noteworthy lifestyle changes. Researchers are working collaboratively to find the ideal material that can play a key role in controlling these situations. However, the complex synthesis, low biocompatibility, high toxicity, less efficiency, and high cost of existing material with limited response to pathogens demands a simple solution. Recently, photoresponsive Chitosan-Azobenzene Schiff base (Chs-Azo) biomaterial were developed by Sonawane et al. through a condensation reaction between high molecular weight chitosan and biophenol derived azobenzene. This biomaterial exhibited high thermal stability, enhanced photoresponsive and antibacterial activity, and improved hemocompatibility compared to commercial antibiotics, highlighting their potential for biomedical applications. In line with existing work, this proposal aims to design and synthesize functional biomaterials by integrating chitosan with azobenzene, derived from biophenols (such as eugenol, vanillin, thymol, carvacrol, cardanol etc) utilizing a straightforward synthetic approach involving Schiff base formation or amide/esterification reactions. Material formation will be validated through a range of characterization techniques. The functional biomaterial will be processed into films, coatings, and fibers (nano and micro), with an emphasis on evaluating their biocompatibility. Ultimately, this material aims to inhibit or control pathogen growth. Additionally, the photoresponsive characteristics of the biomaterials will be investigated by UV-Vis spectroscopy to identify significant changes occurring within biological systems. Another critical aspect of this proposal involves exploring unknown microbes by fine-tuning the properties of the photoresponsive biomaterial and employing screening methods. The selected backbone and methodology are expected to provide several advantages, including ease of scalable synthesis, high stability, long-term durability, cost-effectiveness, biocompatibility, and non-toxicity. These features of material will pave the way for the development of advanced photoresponsive functional biomaterials that ensure the safety of living beings while alignment with current and future sustainable development goals.