# Synthesis of polypyrrole/cellulose nanocrystals disks for removal of pyocyanin metabolite biomarker released by Pseudomonas aeruginosa

## TL;DR

Researchers created a new material from cellulose and polypyrrole that efficiently removes a harmful metabolite from Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a dangerous bacteria.

## Contribution

A novel, cost-effective composite material for efficient removal of pyocyanin from contaminated water is developed.

## Key findings

- The PPy/cellulose composite disk removes over 93% of 10 ppm pyocyanin in 35 minutes at 303 K.
- Optimal adsorption occurs at 20 mg adsorbent dose under specified conditions.
- The material shows potential for treating P. aeruginosa infections and recycling pyocyanin.

## Abstract

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a high-risk pathogen associated with several human diseases. Pyocyanin (PYO), a redox-active secondary metabolite produced by P. aeruginosa, plays a critical role in its survival and pathogenicity, exhibiting both antibacterial and toxic properties. Recent studies have shown that reducing PYO production can inhibit the growth of P. aeruginosa. Here, we report the extraction of cellulose nanocrystals from rice husk for the fabrication of cellulose nanocrystal/polypyrrole (PPy/cellulose) composite disks. This nanocomposite disk acts as a simple, highly efficient, and cost-effective adsorbent for removing PYO metabolites from contaminated water samples. The chemical and morphological features of the PPy/cellulose composites are investigated using various techniques. Solid-phase extraction is employed to remove PYO, with treatment conditions optimized for maximum efficiency. Both two-parameter and three-parameter models are used to analyze the equilibrium data for PYO removal. The optimal adsorbent dose is found to be 20 mg at 303 K for 35 minutes. The PPy/cellulose disk reaches maximum adsorption, removing over 93% of 10 ppm PYO. This approach presents a novel and effective strategy for mitigating the harmful effects of PYO, with potential applications in treating P. aeruginosa infections and recycling PYO for antimicrobial use.