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

Abstract

This paper aimed to valorize two varieties of date palm mesh, Washingtonia robusta (S1) and Phoenix Dactylifera 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 E. coli (3.8 mm and 2.3 mm), S. aureus (4.00 mm and 2.05 mm), and S. epidermidis (2.7 mm and 1.6 mm) for S1 and S2, respectively, suggesting their potential as effective new wound dressing materials.