Enzymatic Degradation of Model Cellulose Film Pre-Treated with Antimicrobial Agent

Abstract

Enzymatic degradation of model cellulose films pre-treated with antimicrobial agent, 3-(trimethoxysilyl)-propyldimethyloctadecyl ammonium chloride (TMPAC) was investigated. AFM topographical imaging was used to assess the surface morphology, roughness, and thickness of the dried and hydrated model cellulose film. The kinetics of the model cellulose film in the hydrated state, the adsorption of TMPAC onto the film followed by desorption given by an enzyme extracted from Trichoderma Viride were studied by in situ null ellipsometry. The results show that the adsorption of TMPAC onto model cellulose film slows down the rate of degradation, as confirmed by a slower decrease in the film mass and by different behaviour of the thickness of the film pre-treated with antimicrobial agent in comparison with pure model cellulose film.

Keywords:

• Atomic force microscopy
• ellipsometry
• model cellulose film

Oliver Kreft and Anne Heilig, from Max-Planck-Institut für Kolloid und Grenzflächenforschung Wissenschaftspark Golm, are gratefully acknowledged for continuous help and scientific discussion with the AFM experiments. The stay of B. L. in Maribor was supported by a COST 36 STSM (short scientific mission).

Notes

Part of the special issue, Surface and Colloid Chemistry Without Borders: An International Festschrift for Professor Per Stenius on the Occasion of His 70th Birthday.