Quaternized cassava starch-based film reinforced by nanocrystalline cellulose with antimicrobial activity against bacteria and coronavirus

Ribeiro de Carvalho, Guilherme and Affonso Netto, Rafael and Delarmelina, Camila and Teixeira Duarte, Marta Cristina and Ferrareso Lona, Liliane Maria (2025) Quaternized cassava starch-based film reinforced by nanocrystalline cellulose with antimicrobial activity against bacteria and coronavirus. EXPRESS POLYMER LETTERS, 19 (7). pp. 686-696. ISSN 1788-618X

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Abstract

In this study, a new plastic film with antiviral and antibacterial properties was developed using modified cassava starch with glycidyltrimethylammonium chloride (GTMAC) and reinforced by crystalline nanocellulose (CNC), called Q-CS/CNC. For comparison, a control film (Q-CS) was produced without the addition of CNC. Elemental analysis revealed a degree of substitution (DS) of 0.552, indicating the replacement of the OH groups of starch by the NR4+ groups of GTMAC during the quaternization reaction. The addition of CNC resulted in significant increases (p < 0.05) of 38.9, 38.2, and 43.1% in thickness, opacity, and water vapor permeability measurements, respectively, compared to Q-CS. Incorporating CNC also contributed to an increase of 43.6% in tensile strength and 109% in stiffness but slightly decreased thermal stability. The Q-CS/CNC film demonstrated efficacy by inactivating 99% of the coronavirus in 1 min and inhibiting the growth of Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. This action is attributed to the electrostatic interaction of quaternary amino groups, grafted onto starch, with the phospholipid membrane of microorganisms, resulting in the inactivation of these microorganisms. Therefore, these results highlight the potential use of Q-CS/CNC film as antimicrobial packaging, especially against coronavirus.

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