Extraction of cellulose nanofibrils from Ficus natalensis barkcloth and utilization in preparation of antimicrobial bio-nanocomposite films for possible food packaging applications

Recently, nanosized cellulose materials preparation has been extensively increased from the sources of sustainable materials and utilization in various functional applications as nanofillers. Cellulose nanofibrils (CNF) extraction through green bio-based materials featured as promising interest in the field of science. In this research, cellulose nanofibrils were extracted from a cellulose rich biomass Ficus natalensis barkcloth. Furthermore, extracted cellulose nanofibrils and Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) were mixed and casted to posterior analysis of formed sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) film at various concentrations of CNF (1 wt%, 5 wt%, 8 wt%, and 12 wt%) and fixed amount of ZnONPs (0.5wt%) based on CMC weight. Results revealed that CNF was smoothly distributed in the polymer matrix to form even and flexible films indicating the cellulose nanofibrils and zinc oxide are highly compatible with the CMC. Similarly, the water solubility percentage (WVP) of CMC film was low at lower content of CNF, and increased with the increase of CNF percentage. Addition of CNF and ZnONPs in nanocomposite films improved the thermal stability values and antibacterial activities of CMC films. Thus on the basis of various tremendous performance, this study showed that F.natalensis barkcloth could be considered as an alternative source of cellulose nanofibrils. Similarly, the prepared nanocomposite films can have potential application in packaging films for the extension of shelf life of fresh and minimally processed fruits and vegetables.