Iranian Journal of Wood and Paper Industries

Iranian Journal of Wood and Paper Industries

Preparation and Characterization of Antibacterial packaging board via coating with carboxymethyl cellulose and ciprofloxacin

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors
Mehdi Roohani 1
Farnaz Movahedi 2
Behzad Kord 3
Alireza Khakifirooz 4
1 Assistant Professor of Wood and Paper Technology, Research Group of Cellulosic Materials and Packaging, Research Department of Chemistry and Petrochemistry, Standard Research Institute, Iran
2 Cellulosic Materials and Packaging Research Group, Research Center of Chemistry and Petrochemistry, Standard Research Institute, Karaj, Iran.
3 Cellulosic Materials and Packaging Research Group, Research Center of Chemistry and Petrochemistry, Standard Research Institute, Karaj, Iran
4 Assistant Prof. Research Group of Cellulosic Materials and Packaging, research Department of Chemistry and Petrochemistry , Standard Research Institute, Iran
10.22034/ijwp.2025.2066623.1716
Abstract
Background and Objectives:Antimicrobial packaging plays a crucial role in maintaining the quality and extending the shelf life of food products. This type of packaging employs materials that inhibit the growth of bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms, thereby ensuring the safety and freshness of food items. In this study, antibacterial cardboard was produced by coating the cardboard surface with carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) containing ciprofloxacin. This method not only enhances the antimicrobial properties of the packaging but also addresses environmental concerns by reducing reliance on synthetic chemicals and promoting biodegradability.
Materials and Methods:To fabricate the antibacterial cardboard, the base paper surface was coated with a layer of carboxymethyl cellulose combined with ciprofloxacin. Coating weights of 5, 10, and 15 g/m² were applied, and the dry mass of the coating was calculated accordingly. Ciprofloxacin was incorporated at 3% and 5% (w/w) of the coating as the antibacterial agent. The base paper was fixed on a rigid flat surface to minimize dimensional changes during coating application. The coating formulations were prepared as designed. The morphology and distribution of the coating layer on the base paper were analyzed by digital optical microscopy, and FTIR spectroscopy was used to identify chemical bonds and structural changes. Antibacterial activity was tested against Gram-negative Escherichia coli and Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus. Barrier properties such as water vapor permeability (WVP) and air permeability (Gurley test), as well as mechanical properties including tensile strength, bending resistance (Taber test), and bursting strength, were evaluated.
Results:Microscopic analysis revealed that the antibacterial coating formed a uniform layered structure on the base paper. In all coated samples, barrier properties improved, showing reduced water vapor transmission rate and air permeability. Mechanical properties including tensile strength, bursting strength, and bending resistance also increased after coating application. Antibacterial tests demonstrated inhibition zones for both bacterial strains, with the largest inhibition zone observed against E. coli in samples coated with 15 g/m² at both 3% and 5% ciprofloxacin concentrations. The smallest inhibition zone was observed against S. aureus in the 5 g/m² coating with 5% ciprofloxacin. Untreated paper showed no antibacterial activity.
Conclusion:The coated cardboard exhibited effective antibacterial properties against both Gram-negative Escherichia coli and Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus. Addition of the coating improved barrier properties, reducing water vapor and air permeability, and enhanced mechanical strength including tensile, bending, and bursting resistance. These results indicate that coating packaging cardboard with a layer of carboxymethyl cellulose and ciprofloxacin can produce effective antibacterial packaging materials.
Keywords
packaging paperboard
antibacterial activity
ciprofloxacin
mechanical properties
barrier properties
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Iranian Journal of Wood and Paper Industries
Volume 16, Issue 4
Winter 2026
Pages 483-497

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