Metal incorporated Philippine Abaca fiber (Manila hemp) as a potential novel filter for water disinfection

Abstract

The contamination of water sources by pathogenic bacteria poses a threat both in the environment and in human health. The incorporation of metal nanoparticles in polymer matrix which is abundantly available in a country can be improved to enhance its antimicrobial property. This study was focused on the development of a novel antibacterial water filter from synthesized silver-copper nanoparticles (Ag-CuNPs) incorporated into Philippine abaca fiber (Manila Hemp). Pre-treatment method and determination of adsorption capacity of abaca fiber towards metal ions, Ag+ and Cu2+ were done prior to synthesis of Ag, Cu and Ag-Cu nanocomposites. Alkali treatment of the fiber confirms OH, C-O and C=O of a cellulose, pectin and lignin in the FTIR analysis. These groups effectively altered the nature of the abaca fiber to hydrophobic, thus, increasing its adsorption capacity up to 80%. Morphological and structural properties of the formed nanoparticles were confirmed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealing polymeric matrices of the fiber in the particle size of 80 nm – 100nm. UV-Vis spectra revealed a broadening of the absorption spectra of a bimetallic Ag-Cu nanoparticles at 410 nm. The antimicrobial assay results revealed promising synergism of the combined silver and copper nanoparticles against both Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) bacterial strains in synthetically prepared water. Also, a relatively proximate bactericidal efficiency was attained between the CuNPs and Ag-CuNPs abaca fiber composites. The developed Ag-CuNPs abaca fiber composite can act as novel antibacterial water filter for water disinfection.