Nanocompósito à base de celulose e óxido de zinco obtido via síntese hidrotérmica assistida por micro-ondas para aplicações antimicrobianas

Abstract

Natural polymers have been the focus of several studies due to their biocompatibility, biodegradability and ease of handling properties for different applications. Among these natural polymers, cellulose has high potential for use in biomedical devices such as films, bandages and also curative. Nanoparticles can be added to these polysaccharides to obtain nanocomposites with specific properties. With the great demand for agro-industrial residues, studies have been carried out to seek alternatives for using these materials, such as banana waste. In order to take advantage of this residue, this work developed zinc oxide nanoparticles, a material of great technological use, through hydrothermal synthesis assisted by microwaves and a composite using the same method, with cellulosic fibers derived from the stem of the fruit peels previously prepared and zinc oxide. The synthesis used is a simple synthesis method that uses low temperatures in a short period of time, which favors the control of its properties. The developed material showed a promising composite for the area of biomedical devices, using cellulose biocompatibility and the antimicrobial properties of zinc oxide. The material was characterized by its crystalline structure, chemical and morphological composition through scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction and infrared spectroscopy with Fourier transform, confirming success in the synthesis. Thermal stability was evaluated by thermogravimetry and showed that hydrothermal synthesis decreased the stability of the composite. Antimicrobial activity was evaluated using the Agar diffusion method. The zinc oxide showed antimicrobial activity against the pathogenic bacteria Staphylococcus Aureus, whereas the nanocomposite developed, possibly due to the low concentration used, did not present an inhibition halo.