Green-Synthesized CuO-Bidara Leaf Extract/Bacterial Cellulose Composite for Antibacterial and High-Efficiency Particulate Filtration

Abstrak

Air pollution poses significant risks to human health, contributing to respiratory infections, cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases, and an increased risk of cancer. This study aimed to investigate the physicochemical characteristics, antibacterial activity, and filtration efficiency of a composite air-filter material comprising nata de coco (bacterial cellulose), copper oxide nanoparticles (CuONPs), and bidara leaf extract (Ziziphus mauritiana L.). The composite was fabricated by synthesizing CuONPs using bidara leaf extract and incorporating them into the nata de coco matrix. Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy identified characteristic O–H, aliphatic C–H, C=C, and C–O groups at 3417, 2916/2846, 1622, and 1047 cm⁻¹, respectively. Optical microscopy revealed a dense distribution of CuONPs, while UV–Vis spectroscopy indicated estimated particle sizes of 80–165 nm. The composite exhibited antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Filtration efficiencies of 81.32%, 91.55%, and 89.74% were achieved for particles with diameters of ≥10, ≥2.5, and ≥1 µm, respectively. These findings highlight the potential of the composite as an antibacterial particulate air-filter material. Further standardized testing is needed to assess its suitability for HEPA filtration applications.

Kata kunci

• Antibacterial
• Composite
• Copper Oxide (CuO) Nanoparticles
• HEPA Filter
• Nata de coco