Development of Cork Biocomposites Enriched with Chitosan Targeting Antibacterial and Antifouling Properties

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2023

Authors

Fernandes, EM (Author) Other; Lobo, FCM (Author) Other; Faria, SI (Author) Other; Luciana Gomes (Author) FEUP; Silva, TH (Author) Other; Filipe Mergulhão (Author) FEUP; Rui Reis (Author) Other

Journal

Title: Molecules

Vol. 28 No. 3

Final page: 990

ISSN: 1420-3049

Publisher: MDPI

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 0 Citations

Scopus

Associated Projects

CVMar+i - Inovação industrial através de colaborações específicas entre empresas e centros de investigação no contexto de valorização biotecnológica marinha

LEPABE - Financiamento Plurianual 2020-2023 da Unidade de I&D LEPABE - Laboratório de Engenharia de Processos, Ambiente, Biotecnologia e Energia

ALiCE - ALiCE - Laboratório Associado em Engenharia Química

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-00X-SWC

DOI: 10.3390/molecules28030990

Abstract (EN): The demand for bio-based and safer composite materials is increasing due to the growth of the industry, human population, and environmental concerns. In this framework, sustainable and safer cork-polymer composites (CPC), based on green low-density polyethylene (LDPE) were developed using melt-based technologies. Chitosan and polyethylene-graft-maleic anhydride (PE-g-MA) were employed to enhance the CPC's properties. The morphology, wettability, mechanical, thermal, and antibacterial properties of the CPC against Pseudomonas putida (P. putida) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) were examined. The CPC showed improved stiffness when compared with that of the LDPE matrix, preferably when combined with chitosan and PE-g-MA (5 wt. %), reinforcing the stiffness (58.8%) and the strength (66.7%). Chitosan also increased the composite stiffness and strength, as well as reduced the surface hydrophilicity. The CPCs' antibacterial activity revealed that cork significantly reduces the biofilm on the polymer matrix. The highest biofilm reduction was found with CPC containing cork and 5 wt. % chitosan for both P. putida (54% reduction) and S. aureus (36% reduction), confirming their potential to extend the lifespan of products for packaging and healthcare, among other applications. This work leads to the understanding of the factors that influence biofilm formation in cork composites and provides a strategy to reinforce their behavior using chitosan.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 20