Regulation and Characterization of Polar Groups on the Surfaces of Cellulose Nanocrystal-Nanosilver Hybrids

Cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) with a high content of polar groups were prepared via the oxidation process by controlling the amount of mixed acid, incorporating additional additive of citric acid and vitamin C as active agents, and applying ultrasonic crosslinking. Subsequently, cellulose nanocrystal-silver (CNC-Ag) nanohybrid materials were synthesized via an oxidation hydrolysis reaction, which displayed good dispersibility and high interaction, leading to the hydrogen bonding between polar groups (-OH and-COOH) on the surface of CAC-Ag nanohybrids. The positive effects of hydrogen bonding on the surface of CAC-Ag nanohybrids were confirmed by the high carboxyl group content (2.69 mmol/g) and low contact angle (53.7 degrees) tested. In addition, CAC-Ag nanohybrids showed significant antibacterial activity against both Gram-negative E. coli and Gram-positive S. aureus. These results showed that the high-performance CNC-Ag nanohybrids prepared in this study may be highly suitable as nano-fillers for polyester materials used in antibacterial food packaging.

Automated summary

Cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) with a high content of polar groups were successfully prepared using an oxidation process. Cellulose nanocrystal-silver (CNC-Ag) nanohybrid materials with good dispersibility and high interaction were synthesized and showed significant antibacterial activity.