Amphiphilic Carboxymethyl Cellulose Stearate for Pickering Emulsions and Antimicrobial Activity of Chrysanthemum Essential Oil

Abstract

This study prepared and characterized amphiphilic carboxymethyl cellulose stearate (CMCS) recycled from sugarcane bagasse agro-waste (SB). The Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) analysis confirmed cellulose, carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), and CMCS structures, with CMCS showing increased H-bonding. X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD) revealed reduced crystallinity in CMC and CMCS. CMCS exhibited a hydrophobic nature but dispersed in water, enabling nanoemulsion formation. Optimal nanoemulsion was achieved with CMCS1, showing a particle size of 99 nm. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images revealed CMC’s honeycomb structure, transforming into spherical particles in CMCS1. Antimicrobial tests demonstrated strong activity of CMCS formulations against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, with CMCS3 exhibiting the highest efficacy. These findings highlight the potential of CMCS-based nanoemulsions for antimicrobial applications and nanoemulsification.