Green Valorization of Chromolaena odorata Biomass into Sustainable Cellulose Acetate Butyrate–Zn(OH) 2 Microcapsules for Controlled Antibacterial Release
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This study presents a green valorization route for Chromolaena odorata biomass through the development of sustainable cellulose acetate butyrate–zinc hydroxide (CAB–Zn(OH) 2 ) hybrid microcapsules for controlled antibacterial release. The process integrates renewable plant feedstock and a biodegradable cellulose-derived polymer using an eco-friendly solvent evaporation method, followed by in situ precipitation of Zn(OH) 2 under mild aqueous conditions. Structural, morphological, and thermal analyses confirmed the successful formation of Zn(OH) 2 -coated CAB microcapsules with improved crystallinity, surface roughness, and thermal stability. Antibacterial activity was evaluated against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus , revealing that the CAB–Zn–40 formulation exhibited the strongest performance, with minimum inhibitory concentrations of 12.8 mg/mL and 6.4 mg/mL, respectively. The enhanced antibacterial efficacy arises from synergistic interactions between phytochemical constituents of C. odorata extract and the sustained release of Zn 2+ ions, inducing oxidative stress and membrane disruption. This biorefinery-oriented approach demonstrates the conversion of invasive plant biomass into high-value, multifunctional antibacterial materials. The findings highlight a sustainable and scalable pathway for producing bio-based functional composites applicable to wound care, infection-resistant coatings, and active packaging, advancing the principles of circular bioeconomy and environmentally responsible material design.
