Preparation and Bacteriostatic Properties of a Novel Hand Sanitizer Based on Graphene, Nanosilver, and Chitosan

Introduction: This work focused on the successful preparation of a hand sanitizer with stable performance, mild hand feel, remarkable moisturizing effects, and antibacterial properties. The study aimed to explore the optimal formulation of the hand sanitizer by incorporating graphene, nanosilver, and chitosan, and evaluate its antibacterial efficacy against Escherichia coli. Methods: The nanosilver solution was prepared using the chemical reduction method, where silver nitrate was reduced with a starch and sodium citrate dihydrate solution. To compare the antibacterial effects of different concentrations of graphene in the hand sanitizer, the viable count method was used for bacterial inhibition experiments using Escherichia coli. The types and amounts of the remaining components were determined using the controlled variable method. The prepared hand sanitizer was subjected to several tests, including stability, feel, pH, spectrophotometer, and viscosity coefficient tests. Results: The experimental results showed the hand sanitizer to be composed of 36% anhydrous ethanol, 3% glycerol, 17% sodium alginate (as a thickener), 0.50% essential rose oil, and a 1:1:1 ratio of graphene, nanosilver, and chitosan, exhibiting desirable properties. In particular, the hand sanitizer showed no delamination or precipitation. Its pH remained stable and moderate. It also showed a significant inhibitory effect on E. coli. Discussion: The incorporation of graphene, nanosilver, and chitosan into the hand sanitizer formulation contributed to its improved stability and antibacterial properties. The specific ratio of these components (1:1:1) was found to be optimal for achieving a balanced hand feel and effective moisturisation. Stability test results confirmed the absence of delamination and precipitation, indicating good physical stability. The moderate pH suggested the hand sanitizer to be kind to the skin. The antibacterial tests against E. coli further confirmed the effectiveness of the formulation in inhibiting bacterial growth. result: The experimental results showed that when the hand sanitizer consisted of 36% anhydrous ethanol, 3% glycerol, 17% sodium alginate (thickener), 0.50% rose essential oil, and the ratio of graphene, nano-silver, and chitosan was 1:1:1, the hand sanitizer did not produce delamination and precipitation. Meanwhile, the pH value of the hand sanitizer is stable and medium, and it also has obvious inhibiting effect on E. coli. Conclusion: The hand sanitizer prepared in this study, with a specific composition of 36% anhydrous ethanol, 3% glycerol, 17% sodium alginate, 0.50% rose essential oil, and a 1:1:1 ratio of graphene, nanosilver, and chitosan, showed excellent performance in terms of stability, hand feel, moisturisation, and antibacterial activity. This formulation has been found to have potential for practical applications in hand sanitization.