Functionalization of multi-wall carbon nanotubes with Metformin derivatives and study of their antibacterial activities against E-Coli and S. aureus

Bacteria can grow in different materials that are in close contact with humans, foods, etc., so, it is very important to control this matter in order to prevent risk of infections. Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) threatens the effective prevention and treatment of an ever-increasing range of infections caused by bacteria, parasites, viruses and fungi. Multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) have interesting antibacterial activities and offering a promising new treatment preventing bacteria from becoming resistant. With this aim, we report for the first time three novel modified carboxylated multiwall carbon nanotubes consisting of MWNT–CO-Metformin, MWNT–CO- [Metformin][CuCl2] and MWNT–CO-[Metformin][AgNO3]. The functionalized carboxylated multiwall nanotubes were then characterized by FT-IR, Raman, TEM, EDX and Elemental analysis. Moreover, the antibacterial activity of all of compounds has been investigated against gram-negative Escherichia coli and gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus. These results show that nano compounds exhibited significant antibacterial activity and have a potential to be used as antibacterial agent.