Preparation and characterization of cellulose acetate/corn silk extract films for potential antimicrobial application

Hassanein, Heba D.; Tohamy, Hebat-Allah S.; AbdelMohsen, Mona M; El-Masry, Hossam M.; El-Sakhawy, Mohamed

doi:10.21608/ejchem.2024.279585.9519

Preparation and characterization of cellulose acetate/corn silk extract films for potential antimicrobial application

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

¹ Chemistry of Medicinal Plants Department, National Research Centre, 33 El-Bohouth St., Former ElTahrir St., P.O.12622, Dokki, Giza, Egypt.

² Cellulose and Paper Department, National Research Centre, 33 El-Bohouth St., Former ElTahrir St., P.O.12622, Dokki, Giza, Egypt.

³ Chemistry of Medicinal Plants Department, National Research Centre, 33 El-Bohouth St., Former ElTahrir St., P.O.12622, Dokki, Giza, Egypt

⁴ Chemistry of Natural Microbial Products Department, National Research Centre, 33 El-Bohouth St., Former ElTahrir St., P.O.12622, Dokki, Giza, Egypt.

⁵ Cellulose and Paper Department, National Research Centre, 33 El-Bohouth St., Former ElTahrir St., P.O.12622, Dokki, Giza, Egypt

10.21608/ejchem.2024.279585.9519

Abstract

Corn silk, a significant by-product obtained after corn processing, is dumped as agricultural waste. Combining natural compounds with biodegradable materials has recently increased demand due to their multiple uses. In this study, cellulose acetate films incorporated with 1.25, 2.5, and 5% of the polar extracts, ethyl acetate, and n-butanol of corn silk were prepared. The extracts' total flavonoid, phenolic, and alkaloid contents were quantitatively estimated. The extracts incorporated films have been characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The films incorporated with the highest concentration of active compounds were evaluated by scanning electron microscope (SEM), thermal analysis (TGA), and antimicrobial activity using agar well diffusion and shake flask methods. The FTIR and morphology results of the films incorporated with 5% ethyl acetate and n-butanol extracts showed homogenization of the biopolymer with the active functional groups. The films effectively suspended the growth of Micrococcus leutus, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and the pathogenic yeast Candida albicans through the dynamic shake flask application. Consequently, the processed biopolymer films showed valid potential as green bioactive alternatives for various applications.

Keywords