Multifunctional cellulose beads and their interaction with gram positive bacteria

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Biomaterials Engineering
• Surface Chemistry

Background:

• Cellulose-based materials offer sustainable platforms for functionalization.
• Developing effective antimicrobial agents is crucial for public health.
• Surface modification of cellulose can enhance its adsorption and antimicrobial properties.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize and characterize oxidized cellulose beads (OCB).
• To investigate the adsorption of a bactericidal agent, poly(4-vinyl-N-pentylpyridinium) bromide (QPVP-C5), onto pristine (CB) and OCB.
• To evaluate the antimicrobial efficacy of QPVP-C5 loaded OCB against Gram-positive bacteria.

Main Methods:

• Cellulose solutions were processed into beads and subsequently oxidized using TEMPO-mediated oxidation.
• Adsorption studies utilized FTIR-ATR, UV-vis, CHN elemental analysis, and XPS.
• Antimicrobial activity was assessed using turbidimetry, SEM, and elemental analysis against Micrococcus luteus.

Main Results:

• OCB exhibited significantly higher adsorption capacity for QPVP-C5 compared to CB, attributed to ionic interactions.
• Desorption of QPVP-C5 from the beads was minimal (<5%).
• OCB coated with substantial amounts of QPVP-C5 displayed notable bactericidal activity against Micrococcus luteus.

Conclusions:

• TEMPO-mediated oxidation effectively introduces carboxylic groups onto cellulose beads, enhancing QPVP-C5 adsorption.
• OCB serve as efficient adsorbents for bactericidal agents.
• QPVP-C5 loaded OCB show promising potential as antimicrobial materials.