Sustainable Filters with Antimicrobial Action from Sugarcane Bagasse: A Novel Waste Utilization Approach

Abstract

Sugarcane bagasse (SCB) is a waste product from Mexico’s sugar industry that is generally burned or discarded. It contains around 48% cellulose, representing a significant source of this component from industrial waste. Eugenol is found in clove oil; it has been used for its medicinal and antimicrobial benefits in the food and pharmaceutical industries. This study aims to develop a filtering material using sugarcane bagasse (SCB) and encapsulated eugenol as an antimicrobial agent. The study involves extracting cellulose from SCB using alkaline hydrolysis with ultrasound, followed by forming composite materials encapsulated in alginate with eugenol concentrations from 0 to 1% v/v. These materials were characterized and tested for antimicrobial efficacy. The findings indicate that the cellulose–eugenol–alginate composite displays high eugenol encapsulation efficiency and effective short-term release. In well-diffusion assays, the material showed inhibition halos up to 20.47 mm against S. aureus, suggesting its potential as an eco-friendly alternative to traditional antimicrobial agents in filter materials.