Anti-Microbial Activity Of Cellulose Nano Crystal Derivatives Produced From Waste Tissue Paper

Abstract

Paper wastes can only be recycled for a limited number of cycles, each recycles decrease the pulp fiber decreasing the usability of the material. New pulps production and accumulation of waste paper have led to deforestation and waste accumulation. Most of the wastes end up as landfills or trash scattered in the environment which is unsafe for the environment. Cellulose is the most abundant polymer with a vast application as a nanocomposite and its derivative. In recent years, biodegradable materials with antimicrobial for wound covering, is in demand. Cellulose nanocomposite gave an alternative method of paper recycling. Therefore, the present study was designed to assess anti-microbial activity of cellulose Nano crystal derivatives produced from the waste Paper. Cellulose Nano crystal (CNC) was prepared in 45% sulfuric acid (H2SO4) and four derivatives of CNC were prepared Acetyl Cellulose Nano Crystal (ACNC) and Methyl Cellulose Nano crystals (MCNC) with esterification process, Iodine Cellulose Nano crystal (ICNC) with oxidation process, and Silver Cellulose Nano Crystal (AgCNC). The analytical technique such as Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) were used for characterization of CNC and AgCNC, X-ray diffraction (XRD) were used for characterization of CNC and Fourier transformed infrared spectroscope (FT-IR) were used for characterization of CNC and it derivative: ACNC, ICNC, MCNC, and AgCNC. Anti-microbial properties of Cellulose Nano Crystal Derivatives were evaluated against Gram positive Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923, Gram negative Escherichia coli ATCC 25922, and Candida albicans ATCC 10231. The XRD result shows, CNC prepared at 45% concentration of H2SO4 has the highest peak at 2ɵ 22.54, full width at half maximum (FWHM) of 0.03 radian crystallinity index of 81.8%, and crystallinity size of 15.39nm. According to the FT-IR result, the comparative analyses of band change and shift between CNC with its derivatives have indicated successful derivation of CNC, with acetyl, iodine, methyl, and silver. The antimicrobial effects of ACNC, ICNC, and AgCNC have shown better results with increase of concentration. In conclusion, AgCNC is the most effective when compared with others. MCNC is the least effective of all the derivatives.