Antimicrobial Imperata cylindrica paper coated with anionic nanocellulose crosslinked with cationic ions.

Recently, the interest in active packaging utilization has increased with population growth, food demand and new consumer trend like food delivery services. This new system, however, requires the use of additives to extend the food product quality and safety as well as in maintaining the shelf-life. This study was to prepare the antimicrobial paper from I. cylindrica coated anionic nanocellulose crosslinked cationic to create a system with the ability to actively control microbe growth in the packaging materials. The process involved pulping of I. cylindrica using semi-chemical and soda chemical method. The antimicrobial paper was prepared by printing the pulp suspension in 60 g/m2 grammage in mold followed by the spray of anionic nanocellulose and subsequent soaking of the paper in cationic solution. The results showed the I. cylindrica paper coated anionic nanocellulose crosslinked with H+ and Al3+ cations were successfully produced. The paper produced was also observed to have antimicrobial activity against Gram-negative of E. coli and S. typhi as well as Gram-positive of S. aureus and B. subtilis bacteria. Furthermore, the best coating method was found on antimicrobial paper coated anionic nanocellulose crosslinked Al3+ as evidenced by smoother and compact surface structure.