Carboxylated Cellulose Nanocrystals Decorated with Varying Molecular Weights of Poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride) as Sustainable Antibacterial Agents

Abstract

Cationic nanomaterials are promising candidates for the development of effective antibacterial agents by taking advantage of the nanoscale effects as well as other exceptional physicochemical properties of nanomaterials. In this study, carboxylated cellulose nanocrystals (cCNCs) derived from softwood pulp were coated with cationic poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride) of varying molecular weights. The resulting cationic carboxylated cellulose nanocrystals coated with poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride) (cCNCs–PDDA) nanomaterials were characterized for their structural and morphological properties using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering, zeta potential, elemental analysis, transmission electron microscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis. Cationic cCNCs–PDDA were investigated for their antibacterial properties against Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus and Gram-negative Escherichia coli 23934 and Pseudomonas aeruginosa using a bacterial lawn growth inhibition assay. cCNC–PDDA materials displayed marked antibacterial activity, particularly against Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus. Overall, our results indicated that cCNCs–PDDA could be a potential candidate for antibacterial applications such as antibacterial surfaces or coatings.

Development of Novel Natural Deep Eutectic Solvent for Cellulose Nanofibrillation of Orange Peel via New Surface Functionalization

“…Traditional carboxyl-functionalized NCs are not effective antibacterial agents. 80,81 However, cationic functional groups are responsible for bacterial killing due to its strong interaction with the bacterial cells. 80,82 In the current study, surface modification of cellulose by DESs (G 2 T) provides biological activity and creates an antibacterial surface of cellulose for anti-Gram-positive bacteria activity.…”

“…80,81 However, cationic functional groups are responsible for bacterial killing due to its strong interaction with the bacterial cells. 80,82 In the current study, surface modification of cellulose by DESs (G 2 T) provides biological activity and creates an antibacterial surface of cellulose for anti-Gram-positive bacteria activity. This is attributed to the surface modification based on grafting with glutamic acid that led to the incorporation of protonated amine groups and carboxyl groups on the CNF surface, as shown in Scheme 4, thus facilitating hydrogen bonding and electrostatic interaction with the bacteria.…”

Nano and Technological Frontiers as a Sustainable Platform for Postharvest Preservation of Berry Fruits

“…Nanocrystals, usually made of cellulose, are added to improve the mechanical and barrier properties of coatings. These rigid and narrow structures have antimicrobial activity against S. aureus, E. coli, and P. aeruginosa [124]. Their antimicrobial mechanism of action is unknown, but it is speculated that they perforate the cell membrane, causing the release of their intracellular content.…”