A robust epoxy nanocomposite with iron oxide decorated cellulose nanofiber as a sustained drug delivery vehicle for antibacterial drugs

Abstract

Sustainably derived nanoparticles and their nanohybrids are crucial for developing energy efficient polymeric materials. In this study, a promising nanohybrid of iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) supported over cellulose nanofibers (CNFs) was synthesized. Simultaneous generation of CNFs and extraction of tea polyphenols for the formation of IONPs were performed by using industrial waste tea fibers. Then, the nanohybrid was administered into a bio-based epoxy matrix to enhance its thermomechanical performance and tunable applicability. More precisely, inclusion of 0.25–1.00 weight percent (wt%) of the nanohybrid resulted in improvement in the tensile strength (from 16.73 MPa to, 23.65 MPa, 41.3% increment) and glass transition temperature (from 54 °C to 72 °C, raised by ∼18 °C). Additionally, noting their biocompatibility assessed from the hemolysis and in vitro cell viability study, the potency of the nanocomposite was explored as a carrier platform for ampicillin drug. This drug loaded nanocomposite exhibited a pH responsive release profile. Inclusion of 10 wt% ampicillin in the nanocomposite (with 1.00 wt% nanohybrid) unveiled a maximum cumulative release of 76.6% over the period of more than 160 h in a medium of pH 7.4 with efficient antibacterial activity against both Gram-positive and negative bacterial strains. Furthermore, the release rate was slightly elevated when the temperature was raised to 50 °C. Overall, this study successfully demonstrated the implementation of a high-performance epoxy nanocomposite with tunable application as a controlled delivery system for an antibacterial drug.