DNA-assisted synthesis of $\text{chitosan}/\alpha$-${\text{Fe}}_2{\text{O}}_3$ nanocomposites for antioxidant and antimicrobial activities

Novel nanocomposites, based on $\text{chitosan}/\alpha$-${\text{Fe}}_2{\text{O}}_3$ (C/FD), have been successfully synthesized. The FD nanoparticles were prepared by co-precipitation method using DNA as the capping agent. The samples were characterized by XRD, EDAX, SEM and TEM. The hematite nanoparticles that were prepared using DNA were compared with the samples prepared using EDTA and CTAB as capping agents. The effect of C/FD nanocomposites on the growth of few common water pathogens were studied to explore its use as an antibacterial agent to be used in water purification. The antioxidant activity of samples was tested using a DPPH assay at two different concentrations of FD. It provides the possibility of improving radical scavenging activity by varying the preparation conditions. The results also showed that the C/FD being a bio-compatible, eco-friendly and low cost material is used to inhibit the growth of several fungi and bacteria that can be useful for a number of applications in the food and pharmaceutical industry.