BJ-10. VALORIZATION OF NANOCELLULOSE BASED COMPOSITE MEMBRANE DERIVED FROM SUGARCANE BAGASSE FOR MEDICAL APPLICATIONS

Abstract

In this work we are proposing a cheap source of cellulose (sugarcane bagasse) which will be converted into cellulose nanoparticle using acid hydrolysis (a cheaper and easier method than TEMPO oxidation, high pressure homogenization, ultrasonic treatment and mechanical treatment) technique and then a composite membrane is formed on plain woven cotton fabric using chitosan which can finally be employed for different medical applications. Suitable binder may be needed to form composite with plain woven 100% cotton fabric. Several characterization techniques are needed to be adopted to understand the morphology, structure of prepared nano-cellulose and the composite membrane developed for medical application. We will compare the antimicrobial property of normal mask and in situ composite based on nanocellulose, chitosan and plain woven cotton fabric. Chitosan will provide antimicrobial property against gram negative bacteria. Chitosan is positively charged. High molecular weight chitosan can form a dense polymer film on the surface of cell, blocking the exchange of nutrients by covering porins on the OM of bacterial leading to microbial cell death. It also inhibits DNA replication of bacterial  cell. It will also facilitate in blood clotting. Positive surface charge enables chitosan to bind with negatively charged blood components, promoting platelet activation and the agglutination of blood proteins to facilitate fibrin clot formation., while also forming a strong physical barrier that adheres to wet tissues and seals wounds. Nano cellulose can not only be made into neat films, but can also be mixed with other biodegradable polymers, such as polylactic acid and polybutylene succinate. It is an ideal food packaging material that can replace  petroleum based products due to its excellent biodegradability. Here, Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) will be needed to exhibit the morphological structure of nano-cellulose. The Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) peaks will depict the presence of chitosan. After confirming its antimicrobial capability, we are free to use it for surgical mask, food packaging and wound dressing.