Loading...
Cellulose-based materials for antimicrobial water treatment: functionalization strategies and applications
Radha, Remya Terro, Tala Khodja, Abdelhamid Al-Sayah, Mohammad
Radha, Remya
Terro, Tala
Khodja, Abdelhamid
Al-Sayah, Mohammad
Date
2025
Advisor
Type
Article
Peer-Reviewed
Published version
Peer-Reviewed
Published version
Degree
Files
Loading...
s42452-025-07558-1.pdf
Adobe PDF, 2.58 MB
Description
Abstract
Water contamination by pathogenic microorganisms poses a significant threat to public health and ecosystems, necessitating the development of sustainable and efficient water decontamination technologies. Cellulose, the most abundant natural polymer, has gained significant attention as a platform for antibacterial water treatment due to its inherent biocompatibility, renewability, and highly adaptable properties. This review provides an in-depth examination of strategies for functionalizing cellulose with antibacterial agents, including nanoparticles, metal-organic frameworks, and cationic groups, to enhance its antimicrobial performance. The underlying mechanisms, such as bacterial membrane disruption, generation of reactive oxygen species, and ion release, are discussed in detail to elucidate the effectiveness of these functionalized materials. Additionally, applications in membrane-based and coating systems are highlighted, with an emphasis on their potential for addressing microbial contamination in water. Despite their promising potential, challenges such as scalability, long-term durability, and environmental and health safety remain pressing issues. This review highlights a strategic approach of using cellulose-based materials for the development of sustainable and efficient solutions to address global water decontamination challenges.