Graphene Oxide Nanosheets Functionalized With Levofloxacin as Potent Antibacterial Agents

ABSTRACT The present study aimed to covalently functionalize graphene oxide nanosheet (GO) with levofloxacin (Levo) to produce a new nanocomposite (GO‐Levo) against multidrug‐resistant (MDR) bacteria isolated from wound infections. Advanced characterizations confirmed the successful synthesis of GO‐Levo nanocomposite. Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy exposed functional groups indicative of electrostatic interactions between components. X‐Ray Diffraction (XRD) analysis validated the crystallinity of GO nanosheet and GO‐Levo, showing GO peak at 11.212°, which shifted to 11.6492° upon levofloxacin conjugation with average particle sizes of 13.15 nm (GO) and 27.97 nm for GO‐Levo at the sharp peak. Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) images revealed morphological features, including GO sheets with ≈8.3 nm and approximately 6.3 nm for GO‐Levo, confirming the composite's structural integrity. Forty‐two samples were collected from patients across different age groups. The results of the biochemical test and VITEK 2 System for all isolates showed that a total of 19 Staphylococcus aureus and 23 Pseudomonas aeruginosa were isolated. These isolates were then tested for antibiotic susceptibility. Antibacterial activity was evaluated through minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). The GO MIC shows moderate antibacterial activity for all bacterial strains with MIC 500 µg/mL, while the levofloxacin exhibits mixed activity with MIC of 31.25–62.5 µg/mL The results confirmed a synergistic interaction between the composite's components, enhancing GO‐Levo higher antibacterial activity, with MIC values of 7.8125 and 15.625 µg/mL for P. aeruginosa and 7.8125 and 62.5 µg/mL for S. aureus . This study offers a foundation for coming research and the advancement of nanomaterial‐based helpful strategies for infection control.