Abstract

Eli Rohaeti¹, Endang W Laksono Fx¹ and Anna Rakhmawati²

DOI : http://dx.doi.org/10.13005/ojc/340320

This study aims to study mechanical properties and antibacterial activity of celluloses and theirs composites. The cellulose was prepared from coconut water fermented by Acetobacter xylinum. Cellulose was composited with chitosan and glycerol by immersion method and the addition of silver nanoparticles. Preparation of silver nanoparticles performed by chemical reduction of silver nitrate solution and polyvinyl alcohol as a stabilizer. UV-Vis spectroscopy was used to determine the formation of silver nanoparticles. Characterization of composites included observation of physical properties, mechanical properties, as well as antibacterial tests against S. aureus, E. coli, and C. albicans. The addition of glycerol can increase elongation at break of composites. The addition of glycerol and chitosan can decrease elongation at break and strength at break of the composites. The composite of cellulose - glycerol - chitosan - silver nanoparticles shows the highest antimicrobial activity against S. aureus on 24 hours of incubation, whereas composite of cellulose - glycerol - silver nanoparticles shows the highest antimicrobial activity against E. coli and C. albicans.

coconut water; antibacterial activity; glycerol; chitosan; cellulose

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