Enzymatic Synthesis, Characterization and Biocompatibility Studies of Cellulose Nanoparticles from Cotton Fibers

Interest in cellulose nanoparticles has been increasing exponentially in the past few decades due to its unique characteristics such as reinforcement properties, high tensile strength, and excellent thermal and electrical properties. Cellulose nanoparticles were produced by an enzymatic method including hydrolysis of cotton fibers by cellulase enzyme and sonication process. Further, cellulose nanoparticles were characterized to determine the morphology and purity of the material. Characterization of cellulose nanoparticles was performed by Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) with Energy Dispersive X-Ray Spectroscopy (EDX) and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR). Biocompatibility studies of cellulose nanoparticles were carried out by MTT (3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-Diphenyltetrazolium Bromide) assay and Live/Dead viability assay. Using SEM, the average size of cellulose nanoparticles was found to be around 100-125nm and the particles were spherical in shape. FTIR spectrum showed the formation of cellulose nanoparticles from cotton fibers without any presence of impurities. MTT assay and Live/Dead viability assay showed no significant induction of cell death even at higher concentrations (100 μg) upon exposure to Rat Lung Epithelial cells. The results revealed that the synthesized cellulose nanoparticles could be used in wide range of emerging applications in the development of new energy storage devices, enzyme immobilization, antimicrobial and medical materials, green catalysis, bio-sensing and controlled drug delivery.