Bio-based neem oil-loaded chitosan biocomposite membrane for potential antibacterial water filter application
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Ensuring access to microbiologically safe drinking water remains a global challenge, particularly in regions affected by industrialization and environmental pollution. In this study, we developed a bio-based poly (vinyl alcohol)/chitosan (PVA/CS) biocomposite membrane incorporating neem seed oil (NSO) as a natural antibacterial additive. Membranes were fabricated via solution casting with varying NSO concentrations and systematically characterized physicochemical, mechanical, and antibacterial properties. FTIR and SEM analyses confirmed successful incorporation of neem oil, which enhanced surface hydrophobicity, mechanical strength, and dimensional stability. The optimized S 3 membrane exhibited a balanced morphology, moderate swelling index (123.75 ± 0.51%), favorable water permeability (165 ± 5 L m⁻² h⁻¹ bar⁻¹), and strong antibacterial activity. Antibacterial filtration tests demonstrated removal efficiencies of 98.1 ± 0.6 % ( E. coli ), 98.8 ± 0.5 % ( S. aureus ), and 97.6 ± 0.7 % ( P. aeruginosa ), corresponding to a log reduction value of 1.72 ± 0.05. Moreover, the membrane maintained >90% flux recovery and >96% bacterial removal efficiency over five consecutive cycles, indicating its reusability and good short-term operational stability under the tested laboratory-scale conditions. These findings highlight neem-oil-loaded PVA/CS membranes as sustainable, and effective antibacterial filtration materials, offering a promising alternative to conventional synthetic or nanoparticle-based membranes for bacterial reduction in water.
Institution: University of Rajshahi
Language: English
Subfield: Water Science and Technology
Field: Environmental Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,790
OpenAlex ID: W7223140265