Synthesis of Sustainable Antibacterial Materials by Surface Functionalisation of NZ Flax (Phormium tenax) Fibres and Hemp (Cannabis sativa) Hurd
type: CreativeWork
description: Development of sustainable antibacterial fibres for use in a range of applications has received great research interest in recent years due to increasing environmental concerns. This thesis summarises the investigation of functionalisation of Phormium tenax (NZ flax) fibre (PTF) and hemp hurd core of Cannabis sativa (HH) through surface grafting of chitosan 1, a potent novel chitosan derivative 132 (selected for the excellent bioactivity from a set of O-amine-modified chitosans synthesised in this study) and cationic polymer brushes of 2-trimethylammonioethyl methacrylate chloride (TMAEMC), so as to introduce antibacterial activity to these natural materials. Phormium tenax fibre (PTF) is the leaf fibre from NZ flax- a plant indigenous to New Zealand, abundant but currently under-utilized. Hemp hurd (HH) is a sustainable by-product from hemp (Cannabis sativa) industry. Chitosan 1 is a known antimicrobial compound, which is prepared from chitin, the second-most abundant and renewable biopolymer in existence, and a by- product of the shell-fish industry. Chitosan 1 has been shown to have significant scientific and industrial applications in fields demanding reduced environmental impact. This is due to its versatile properties including biocompatibility, biodegradability and non-toxicity, along with its potent antimicrobial properties. Preparation of O-amine-functionalised chitosan analogues was performed with an aim of improving the antibacterial activity of chitosan 1, by introducing additional amino groups, for further use in fibre surface functionalisation. A N-protection-O-grafting-N-deprotection strategy proceeded through a SN2 O-epoxide ring opening, adding twenty various amines. Benzaldehyde and phthalic anhydride were used as protecting agents (producing two series: BDs 81-87 and PDs 114-133, respectively). In total, 27 chitosan derived compounds were synthesised and assessed for their bioactivity against Staphylococcus aureus Gram-positive bacteria. Compound …
abstract: Development of sustainable antibacterial fibres for use in a range of applications has received great research interest in recent years due to increasing environmental concerns. This thesis summarises the investigation of functionalisation of Phormium tenax (NZ flax) fibre (PTF) and hemp hurd core of Cannabis sativa (HH) through surface grafting of chitosan 1, a potent novel chitosan derivative 132 (selected for the excellent bioactivity from a set of O-amine-modified chitosans synthesised in this study) and cationic polymer brushes of 2-trimethylammonioethyl methacrylate chloride (TMAEMC), so as to introduce antibacterial activity to these natural materials. Phormium tenax fibre (PTF) is the leaf fibre from NZ flax- a plant indigenous to New Zealand, abundant but currently under-utilized. Hemp hurd (HH) is a sustainable by-product from hemp (Cannabis sativa) industry. Chitosan 1 is a known antimicrobial compound, which is prepared from chitin, the second-most abundant and renewable biopolymer in existence, and a by- product of the shell-fish industry. Chitosan 1 has been shown to have significant scientific and industrial applications in fields demanding reduced environmental impact. This is due to its versatile properties including biocompatibility, biodegradability and non-toxicity, along with its potent antimicrobial properties. Preparation of O-amine-functionalised chitosan analogues was performed with an aim of improving the antibacterial activity of chitosan 1, by introducing additional amino groups, for further use in fibre surface functionalisation. A N-protection-O-grafting-N-deprotection strategy proceeded through a SN2 O-epoxide ring opening, adding twenty various amines. Benzaldehyde and phthalic anhydride were used as protecting agents (producing two series: BDs 81-87 and PDs 114-133, respectively). In total, 27 chitosan derived compounds were synthesised and assessed for their bioactivity against Staphylococcus aureus Gram-positive bacteria. Compound …
author: Pulickal Joseph, Delsa
license: https://researchspace.auckland.ac.nz/docs/uoa-docs/rights.htm
date published: 2021
date modified: 2026-07-24T01:03:37Z
provider: University of Auckland
publisher: Networked Digital Library of Theses and Dissertations
type: WebPage
source organization: ResearchSpace@Auckland

PropertyValue
property ID: Handle
value: https://hdl.handle.net/2292/61011