Utilization of Lignin Extracts from Sugarcane Bagasse as Bio-based Antimicrobial Fabrics

Abstract

A lignin-coated fabric made from sugarcane bagasse exhibits antimicrobial characteristics. The bacterial strain Staphylococcus epidermidis (DMST 15505), a cause of skin infection commonly found in medical facilities, was used in this study. At specific coating concentration, in vitro study suggested this bacterium can be inhibited to prevent further propagation within 6 h of contact with lignin-coated fabric. The price for lignin extraction at the laboratory scale (500 ml) was approximately USD 974.60/kg and USD 15.22/kg at the pre-pilot scale (50 l). The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) for lignin extracts was 4096 µg/ml. A price-performance index (PPI) was proposed and calculated from the material price and the amount required to inhibit bacterial propagation based on the MIC according to the antimicrobial performance of the coated fabric. This index provides swift cost estimation of a product’s antimicrobial properties to inhibit specific bacterial propagation. A smaller value of PPI is preferred when comparing multiple antimicrobial agents. The PPI for lignin was USD 0.0080 at the laboratory scale and USD 0.0002 at the pre-pilot scale. The PPI for commercial silver nanoparticles was USD 0.6084 (20 nm) and USD 0.3498 (200 nm). The PPI index supported the utilization of lignin extracts from sugarcane bagasse as a bio-based antimicrobial agent on fabric for antimicrobial textile application.