Development of antibacterial biocomposites reinforced with cellulose nanocrystals derived from banana pseudostem

Crystalline nanocellulose (CNC) was derived from banana pseudostem using acid hydrolysis method. CNC was characterized by scanning electron microscope, Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction. CNC was found in nanometric dimensions (18.79 ± 5.30 nm diameter and 202.12 ± 37.43 nm length) and exhibited high degree of crystallinity (81.67%). Chitosan-CNC based antimicrobial nanocomposites films were prepared by the incorporation of tetracycline and showed well-demarcated zone of inhibition against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Chitosan-CNC nanocomposite films showed significantly (p < 0.05) high tensile strength and good swelling properties in comparison to control CNC films. This study suggests that banana pseudostem can be used as a raw material for economic production of CNC and nanocomposites for biomedical applications.