Characterization and antibacterial activity of cellulose extracted from <i>Washingtonia robusta</i> and <i>Phoenix dactylifera</i> L. impregnated with eugenol: Promising wound dressing.

Abstract

This paper aimed to valorize two varieties of date palm mesh, <i>Washingtonia robusta</i> (S1) and <i>Phoenix Dactylifera</i> L. (S2) by extracting their fibrous cellulose structures for potential application in wound dressings. The extracted fibrous dressings were analyzed by using Fourier Transforms Infrareded (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Additionally, mechanical properties, water absorption, and antimicrobial activity were analyzed. The results showed that S2 contained significantly higher fiber content (37.21 %) compared to S1 (12.63 %). FTIR analysis confirmed successful cellulose extraction from both palm varieties. SEM images showed that S1 fibers had a smooth-surface with smaller pores, contributing to a higher absorption capacity of 1289 ± 93 %. Therefore, S2 exhibited rougher-surfaced fibers, which enhanced its mechanical properties, as demonstrated by stress-strain tensile tests, and Young's modulus. Notably, S2 revealed superior mechanical strength compared to S1 fiber dressings. Water absorption for S2 was calculated at 509 ± 93 %. Both S1 and S2 exhibited high crystalline index (61.17 % and 62.88 %), with crystalline size of 3.54 nm for S1 and 10.03 nm for S2. Finally, Eugenol-enriched fibers showed significant activity against <i>E. coli</i> (3.8 mm and 2.3 mm), <i>S. aureus</i> (4.00 mm and 2.05 mm), and <i>S. epidermidis</i> (2.7 mm and 1.6 mm) for S1 and S2, respectively, suggesting their potential as effective new wound dressing materials.