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Published on: February 26, 2021
Eco-Friendly Cellulose-Based Nonionic Antimicrobial Polymers with Excellent Biocompatibility, Nonleachability, and
Xugang Dang1,2, Zhenfu Yu1, Xuechuan Wang1
1Institute for Biomass and Function Materials & National Demonstration Centre for Experimental Light Chemistry Engineering Education, College of Bioresources Chemistry and Materials Engineering, Shaanxi University of Science and Technology, Xi'an 710021, P. R. China.
New cellulose-based antimicrobial polymers (MIPA and MICA) were synthesized for enhanced biocompatibility and nonleachability. These sustainable materials exhibit potent antimicrobial activity against common bacteria and good miscibility with other polymers.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Polymer Chemistry
- Antimicrobial Materials
Background:
- Development of natural biomass-based polymers is crucial for sustainable materials.
- Nonionic antimicrobial polymers require improved biocompatibility and nonleachability.
- Cellulose modification offers a route to novel functional polymers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To synthesize novel cellulose-based nonionic antimicrobial polymers (MIPA and MICA).
- To evaluate their properties including biocompatibility, nonleachability, antimicrobial activity, and polymer miscibility.
- To assess their potential for use in advanced material applications.
Main Methods:
- Sustainable one-pot synthesis of MIPA and MICA from microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) and indole derivatives via esterification.
- Characterization using 1H NMR, FTIR, XRD, TGA, DSC, SEM, and GPC.
- Antimicrobial activity assessed by paper diffusion method against E. coli and S. aureus.
- Miscibility studies with poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) and characterization of composite films.
Main Results:
- MIPA and MICA exhibited reduced crystallinity, altered morphology, and improved thermal stability and solubility compared to MCC.
- Both polymers demonstrated significant bactericidal effects against E. coli and S. aureus.
- Miscible composite films (PVA-MICA and PVA-MIPA) showed excellent phase compatibility, thermal stability (>300 °C), biocompatibility, nonleachability, and mechanical properties (>390% elongation).
Conclusions:
- The developed cellulose-based nonionic antimicrobial polymers (MIPA and MICA) possess desirable properties for biomedical and material applications.
- These polymers offer a sustainable and effective solution for antimicrobial material development.
- The good miscibility and enhanced properties of the composite films highlight their potential for advanced functional materials.
