Optimization of antimicrobial nanocomposite films based on carboxymethyl cellulose incorporating chitosan nanofibers and Guggul gum polysaccharide.

ABSTRACT

The present study utilized response surface methodology (RSM) to investigate the impact of varying concentrations of carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC 0.75-1.75 wt%), Commiphora mukul polysaccharide (CMP 0-1 wt%), and Chitosan Nanofiber (CHNF 0-1 wt%) on the physical and antimicrobial characteristics of nanocomposite films based on CMC. The optimization process aimed to enhance ultimate tensile strength (UTS), strain at break (SAB), and antibacterial activity, while minimizing water vapor permeability (WVP), solubility, swelling, moisture content, opacity, and total color difference (ΔE). The results revealed that both CMP and CHNF had a positive influence on reducing moisture content, WVP, and increasing UTS. However, higher concentrations of CMP and CHNF had a divergent effect on SAB, ΔE, and swelling. The incorporation of CMP led to increased opacity and solubility, while the inclusion of CHNF resulted in decreased opacity and solubility. Notably, only CHNF addition significantly improved the antibacterial properties of the films. By applying the optimization procedure utilizing RSM, the formulation containing CMC (1.5 wt%), CMP (0.25 wt%), and CHNF (0.75 wt%) demonstrated superior physical, mechanical, and antibacterial properties in the biodegradable film matrix. These findings highlight the potential of utilizing these components to enhance the performance of CMC-based nanocomposite films.