Antimicrobial Activity of Cellulose Based Materials

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Polymer Chemistry
• Antimicrobial Technology

Background:

• Polysaccharides like cellulose are versatile biomaterials.
• Incorporating bioactive compounds enhances material functionality.
• Chitosan possesses inherent antimicrobial activity, unlike unmodified cellulose.

Purpose of the Study:

• To functionalize cellulose with quaternary ammonium salts, phosphonium salts, and sulfur-containing extractants.
• To evaluate the antimicrobial efficacy of these modified cellulose materials.
• To identify cellulose-based biomaterials with superior antimicrobial properties.

Main Methods:

• Cellulose functionalization via SIR impregnation with various compounds.
• Testing antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Candida albicans.
• Varying functionalization ratios to determine optimal antimicrobial effect.

Main Results:

• Cel-TDTMABr achieved 100% microbial inhibition at a low ratio (1:0.012).
• Cel-DDTPPBr showed significant bactericidal effects compared to Cel-HDTBPBr due to hydrophobicity differences.
• Cel-MBT exhibited maximum antimicrobial effect at a 1:0.5 ratio, while Cel-THIO showed bacteriostatic/fungistatic effects.

Conclusions:

• Cellulose functionalized with specific quaternary ammonium and phosphonium salts yields potent antimicrobial biomaterials.
• Cel-TDTMABr is a highly effective antimicrobial agent against common pathogens.
• Functionalized cellulose offers a promising route to biomass-derived materials with enhanced antimicrobial capabilities.