Optimization of synthesis of cellulose/gum Arabic/Ag bionanocomposite for antibacterial applications

Mohsen Safaei; Mohammad Salmani Mobarakeh; Bahram Azizi; Ehsan Shoohanizad; Ling Shing Wong; Nafiseh Nikkerdar; Mohsen Safaei; Mohammad Salmani Mobarakeh; Bahram Azizi; Ehsan Shoohanizad; Ling Shing Wong; Nafiseh Nikkerdar

doi:10.3934/matersci.2025015

AIMS Materials Science

2025, Volume 12, Issue 2: 278-300. doi: 10.3934/matersci.2025015

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Optimization of synthesis of cellulose/gum Arabic/Ag bionanocomposite for antibacterial applications

1.
Division of Dental Biomaterials, School of Dentistry, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah 54658, Iran
2.
Advanced Dental Sciences and Technology Research Center, School of Dentistry, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah 38647, Iran
3.
Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, School of Dentistry, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah 54658, Iran
4.
Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, INTI International University, Nilai 71800, Malaysia
5.
Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology, School of Dentistry, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah 54658, Iran

Received: 25 November 2024 Revised: 18 March 2025 Accepted: 26 March 2025 Published: 07 April 2025

The increasing resistance of microorganisms to conventional antimicrobial compounds requires the development of innovative solutions, such as antimicrobial nanoparticles, to combat antibiotic-resistant infections. This study aimed to optimize the synthesis of a cellulose/gum Arabic/silver (cellulose/GA/Ag) bionanocomposite and evaluate its antibacterial properties against S. mutans, a key contributor to dental caries. Using the Taguchi method, we designed nine experiments with varying levels of cellulose (2, 4, and 6 mg/mL), gum Arabic (1, 2, and 3 mg/mL), and silver nanoparticles (2, 4, and 6 mg/mL). The nanocomposite synthesized under optimal conditions (2 mg/mL cellulose, 3 mg/mL gum Arabic, and 6 mg/mL silver nanoparticles) demonstrated the most potent antibacterial activity, reducing the bacterial survival rate of S. mutans to 0 Log10 CFU/mL, indicating complete inhibition. Variance analysis revealed that silver nanoparticles had the most significant impact on bacterial survival (53.22%), followed by gum Arabic (35.55%) and cellulose (8.86%). Characterization techniques confirmed the successful formation of the nanocomposite: FTIR analysis indicated hydrogen bonding between cellulose and silver nanoparticles, while XRD confirmed the crystalline structure of the nanocomposite. SEM and TEM images revealed a uniform distribution of silver nanoparticles within the cellulose–gum Arabic matrix. TGA-DSC analysis showed enhanced thermal stability, with a significant weight loss at 375 ℃, corresponding to the degradation of cellulose and gum Arabic. The results demonstrate that the cellulose/GA/Ag nanocomposite, synthesized under optimal conditions, exhibits exceptional antibacterial properties and stability, making it a promising candidate for antimicrobial applications in medical and dental fields.
- cellulose,
- gum Arabic,
- silver nanoparticles,
- human health,
- Streptococcus mutans,
- Taguchi method
Citation: Mohsen Safaei, Mohammad Salmani Mobarakeh, Bahram Azizi, Ehsan Shoohanizad, Ling Shing Wong, Nafiseh Nikkerdar. Optimization of synthesis of cellulose/gum Arabic/Ag bionanocomposite for antibacterial applications[J]. AIMS Materials Science, 2025, 12(2): 278-300. doi: 10.3934/matersci.2025015

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Abstract

The increasing resistance of microorganisms to conventional antimicrobial compounds requires the development of innovative solutions, such as antimicrobial nanoparticles, to combat antibiotic-resistant infections. This study aimed to optimize the synthesis of a cellulose/gum Arabic/silver (cellulose/GA/Ag) bionanocomposite and evaluate its antibacterial properties against S. mutans, a key contributor to dental caries. Using the Taguchi method, we designed nine experiments with varying levels of cellulose (2, 4, and 6 mg/mL), gum Arabic (1, 2, and 3 mg/mL), and silver nanoparticles (2, 4, and 6 mg/mL). The nanocomposite synthesized under optimal conditions (2 mg/mL cellulose, 3 mg/mL gum Arabic, and 6 mg/mL silver nanoparticles) demonstrated the most potent antibacterial activity, reducing the bacterial survival rate of S. mutans to 0 Log10 CFU/mL, indicating complete inhibition. Variance analysis revealed that silver nanoparticles had the most significant impact on bacterial survival (53.22%), followed by gum Arabic (35.55%) and cellulose (8.86%). Characterization techniques confirmed the successful formation of the nanocomposite: FTIR analysis indicated hydrogen bonding between cellulose and silver nanoparticles, while XRD confirmed the crystalline structure of the nanocomposite. SEM and TEM images revealed a uniform distribution of silver nanoparticles within the cellulose–gum Arabic matrix. TGA-DSC analysis showed enhanced thermal stability, with a significant weight loss at 375 ℃, corresponding to the degradation of cellulose and gum Arabic. The results demonstrate that the cellulose/GA/Ag nanocomposite, synthesized under optimal conditions, exhibits exceptional antibacterial properties and stability, making it a promising candidate for antimicrobial applications in medical and dental fields.

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