Cannabinoids and Terpenes as an Antibacterial and Antibiofouling Promotor for PES Water Filtration Membranes

Ismara Nadir,Nosheen Fatima Rana,Amna Batool,Sundus Riaz,Zara Taimoor,Syed Mohsin Ali,Tahreem Tanweer,Nasir Mahmood Ahmad

doi:10.3390/molecules25030691

Ismara Nadir, Nosheen Fatima Rana + Show 6 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules25030691

Copy DOI

Abstract

Plant phytochemicals have potential decontaminating properties, however, their role in the amelioration of hydrophobic water filtration membranes have not been elucidated yet. In this work, phytochemicals (i.e., cannabinoids (C) and terpenes (T) from C. sativa) were revealed for their antibacterial activity against different Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. As such, a synergistic relationship was observed between the two against all strains. These phytochemicals individually and in combination were used to prepare polyethersulfone (PES) hybrid membranes. Membrane characterizations were carried out using scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. Moreover, contact angle, water retention, surface roughness, mechanical testing, and X-ray florescence analysis were also carried out. According to results, the CT-PES hybrid membrane exhibited the lowest contact angle (40°), the highest water retention (70%), and smallest average pore size (0.04 µm). The hybrid membrane also exhibited improved water flux with no surface leaching. Quantitative bacterial decline analysis of the CT-PES hybrid membranes confirmed an effective antibacterial performance against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. The results of this study established cannabinoids and terpenes as an inexpensive solution for PES membrane surface modification. These hybrid membranes can be easily deployed at an industrial scale for water filtration purposes.

Highlights

Global health is confronted by the utilization of contaminated drinking water
The main objective of the present study is to investigate the antibacterial and antibiofouling characteristics of cannabinoid and terpene blended PES membranes
This increase in water flux was possibly ascribed to the hydrophilization of the hybrid membranes

Summary

Introduction

Global health is confronted by the utilization of contaminated drinking water. Developing countries face huge challenges in cleaning water sources containing an apical fraction of pollutants from wastewater, sludge, sewage, and potentially toxic industrial effluents. Bacterial clogging experienced by water pipelines leads to deplorable contamination consequences across the water supply system [1]. Consumption of this contaminated water is one of the key reasons for morbidity and mortality, especially in developing countries where multidrug resistance is already a great concern [2,3]. Extensive research efforts have been carried out to overcome the concern of drinking and wastewater contamination.

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusion