Antimicrobial Studies of Graphene Derivative Infused Polyaniline Nanocomposites

This study explores the synthesis and antimicrobial properties of graphene-based polyaniline (PANI) nanocomposites including pure PANI, PANI/graphene oxide (GO) and PANI/reduced graphene oxide (rGO). The composites were prepared using in situ and ex situ polymerization techniques. Characterization through X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) revealed the crystalline plane and prime characteristic peaks confirming nanocomposite formation. The antimicrobial properties were assessed using the Agar well-diffusion method against Bacillus, Staphylococcus, Pseudomonas and Escherichia coli. Pristine PANI exhibited higher bacterial inhibition zones compared to PANI/GO. Notably, PANI/rGO synthesized ex situ demonstrated superior antibacterial activity compared to in situ PANI/rGO composite.