The increasing rate of acute global bacterial infections is precipitating an effort to develop effective and sustainable hygienic products. The present work targets a significant innovation in biodefense through the design of a sustainable, biodegradable, and high strength antimicrobial plasma-enhanced chitosan/nanocellulose-based biocomposite (hand towels, tissue wipes, and related products) that combats hand-borne bacterial transmission. Chitosan, a naturally occurring polymer, has been studied for its antimicrobial properties against a vast array of bacteria (Gram-positive and Gram-negative) as well as fungi, but mostly in association with strong antimicrobial coupling agents. To improve the antimicrobial activity of chitosan, a biocomposite of chitosan and nanocellulose was incorporated into tissue from recycled fibers, which were treated with environmentally friendly atmospheric oxygen plasma to activate surface antimicrobial properties. The release properties of the chitosan-nanocrystals biocomposite of differently treated tissue paper was studied with respect to effectiveness against bacteria. This composite delivered a 99% reduction in bacterial growth in addition to significant improvements in hydrophilicity and water absorption properties.<br/>

Fabrication of high-strength antimicrobial chitosan-nanocellulose composite coatings

2019 Fall National Meeting

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.