Chili post-harvest residue-derived nanocellulose composite as a matrix for in vitro cell culture and Hemigraphis colorata blended nanocellulose extends antimicrobial potential

Abstract

Nanocellulose is becoming a wonderful biomaterial with wider applications in food, biomedical, cosmetics, and other sectors. Nanocellulose is easily degradable, bio-derived and can be effectively used for constructing novel bioplastics which finds applications in food packaging and wound dressing. Nanocellulose was isolated from Chili post-harvest residue and its properties were evaluated using FESEM, XRD and FTIR. Cytotoxicity and viability of cells are critical characteristics defining a material for biomedical applications and these properties were investigated for Chili post-harvest residue derived nanocelluose. The cell viability of HEK293 cells was assessed and the results demonstrated that the cell viability was normal, with no cytotoxicity and DNA damaging effects. Next we examined the antimicrobial potential of NC films after blending with Hemigraphis colorata extract. The nanocellulose blended with Hemigraphis colorata extract provided effective antimicrobial activity by inhibiting the growth of Bacillus cereus, E. coli, Pseudomonas sp. and Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The antimicrobial property of NC composite suggests its potential for use in food packaging and in wound dressing material.