Novel Cellulose Nanocrystals-Based Polyurethane: Synthesis, Characterization and Antibacterial Activity

Area of Science:

• Polymer Science
• Materials Science
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Water-driven polyurethanes (PUs) face infection challenges in biomedical applications.
• Cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) offer potential for novel material development.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize and characterize novel CNCs-based PUs with antibacterial properties.
• To investigate the effect of tannic acid (TA) and silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) on PU material properties and antibacterial activity.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of CNCs-based PUs via chemical cross-linking.
• Covalent binding of tannic acid (TA) and introduction of silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs).
• Characterization of microstructure, hydrophobicity, thermal properties, and antibacterial activity.

Main Results:

• TA-CNC-PU and Ag/TA-CNC-PU exhibited lower glass transition temperatures and improved thermal stability.
• Introduction of TA and Ag NPs increased material hydrophobicity and antibacterial activity.
• Ag/TA-CNC-PU showed enhanced efficacy against E. coli, while TA-CNC-PU was more effective against S. aureus.

Conclusions:

• Novel CNCs-based PUs demonstrate tunable antibacterial properties.
• These materials are suitable for thermal processing and hold potential as smart biomaterials.
• Adjusting TA or Ag NP ratios can optimize antibacterial performance for specific applications.