Functionalization of Bacterial Cellulose Nonwoven by Poly(fluorophenol) to Improve Its Hydrophobicity and Durability

Abstract

The present study aims to improve the hydrophobicity and durability of bacterial cellulose (BC) nonwoven by functionalization with poly(fluorophenol). To this end, laccase was first entrapped onto BC and then used to polymerize the fluorophenol {4-[4-(trifluoromethyl) phenoxy] phenol} in-situ. The polymerization of fluorophenol by laccase was confirmed through 1H NMR and MALDI-TOF analyses. The effect of poly(fluorophenol) on BC nonwoven was determined by evaluation of the surface hydrophobicity and olephobicity properties such as water contact angle (WCA), oil contact angle (OCA), surface energy and water/oil absorption time. After BC functionalization with poly(fluorophenol) (20 mM), the WCA increased from 54.5 ± 1.2° to 120 ± 1.5° while the surface energy decreased (11.58 ± 1.4 mN/m). The OCA was also increased from 46.5 ± 2.5° to 87 ± 2° along to the decrease of surface energy (8.7 ± 1.5°). X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis confirmed an increase in the fluorine content in BC from 5.27 to 17.57%. The findings confirmed the polymerization of fluorophenol by laccase and its entrapment onto a BC nanofiber structure. The durability of the functionalization with poly(fluorophenol) was confirmed by evaluating the washing fastness, tensile strength after washing and dimensional stability. The results indicate that the functionalized BC nonwoven had higher tensile strength (×10 times) and better dimensional stability (30%) than the non-functionalized BC nonwoven material.

Comparative study on the physical entrapment of soy and mushroom proteins on the durability of bacterial cellulose bio‐leather

“…The average WCA value was obtained by measuring five different spots on the surface of each sample. Next, the water absorption time measurement was performed according to Song et al (2019). A 0.01 % Methylene blue (C.I.…”

“…8f) was further increased. This could be due to the strong adhesion between BC nanofibers and proteins which decreased the water absorption, as evidenced in the water resistance analysis (Song et al 2019), and the enhanced processability of proteins by the addition of glycerol (Wang et al 2017). On the other hand, entrapping glycerol only was not sufficient to improve the dimensional stability of BC (Fig.…”

Enzyme Catalyzed Copolymerization of Lignosulfonates for Hydrophobic Coatings

“…In this regard, previous studies have demonstrated the ability of laccase to mediate the coupling of different fluorophenol molecules (FP) onto lignocellulose fibers and lignin model substrates, resulting in an increased hydrophobicity. The best results were found when 4- [4-(trifluoromethyl)phenoxy]phenol (4,4-F3MPP) (Figure 1C) was used as a substrate (Kudanga et al, 2010;Acero et al, 2014;Wu et al, 2016;Song et al, 2019).…”

Hierarchical amphiphilic high‐efficiency oil–water separation membranes from fermentation derived cellulose and recycled polystyrene

“…40,41 In another work, functionalization of BC with poly(fluorophenol) to tune the hydrophobicity and durability was also reported. 42 However, most of the reported methods for the preparation of amphiphilic BC membranes involve complex multistep chemical processes and are not always environmentally friendly. Also, the overall efforts to utilize BC or modified BC for the intended purpose are limited.…”

“…For instance, modification of BC membrane by alkoxysilanes resulted in an amphiphilic membrane and was successfully used to separate surfactant stabilized oil in water and water in oil emulsions 40,41 . In another work, functionalization of BC with poly(fluorophenol) to tune the hydrophobicity and durability was also reported 42 . However, most of the reported methods for the preparation of amphiphilic BC membranes involve complex multistep chemical processes and are not always environmentally friendly.…”