Nanocellulose extracted from pistachio nut shells as a template for nanosilver synthesis and its antimicrobial activity

Present work deals with the extraction of nanocellulose (NC) from pistachio nut shells, which is an agro-waste. NC was extracted through acid hydrolysis and characterized with respect to particle size, and morphology. Non- agglomerated hybrid NCAg was synthesized successfully because NC can act as a reducing and stabilizing agent. The as-synthesized nanocellulose silver (NCAg) hybrid was characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV-vis), high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), and dynamic light scattering (DLS). UV-Visible spectrum at 406 nm revealed surface plasmon resonance (SPR) caused by the spherically shaped Ag-NPs. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and HRTEM studies confirmed the FCC crystalline structure of silver in the nanocellulose matrix. The Ag-NPs were uniform and spherical, with particle size ranging from 2 to 18 nm according to the TEM micrographs. NCAg hybrid was tested for antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis bacteria. The NCAg hybrid with controlled morphology, size and good antibacterial activity has potential applications in active packaging films, wound treatment, coatings, adhesives, and anti-biofouling films with good reinforcement ability.

Automated summary

This study successfully extracted nanocellulose from pistachio nut shells and synthesized nanocellulose silver hybrid. The hybrid exhibited good antibacterial activity, controlled morphology and size, making it suitable for various applications.