Electrospun Nanofiber Derived From X‐Ray Film Functionalized With <scp>ZnO</scp> Nanoparticle and Crystalline Nano Cellulose: Converting Biomedical Waste Into High Performance Antibacterial Membrane

ABSTRACT The current study explores the process of value addition of discarded X‐ray film‐derived polyethylene terephthalate (PET) into electrospun nanofiber membranes functionalized with zinc oxide nanoparticles and crystalline nano cellulose to produce high‐performance antibacterial membrane. PET recovered from x‐ray film waste through a thermo‐solvolysis method was electro spun into nanofibrous membranes reinforced with ZnO nanoparticles and crystalline nano cellulose. Physicochemical characterizations including Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, x‐ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscopy, and energy dispersive x‐ray confirmed the successful incorporation of ZnO nanoparticles and crystalline nano cellulose without disrupting PET's molecular or crystalline structure. Mechanical testing revealed that the hybrid membrane combining both 1 wt% ZnO nanoparticles and 1 wt% of CNC yielded optimal performance with enhanced tensile strength (2.63 MPa) and elongation (80%). Antibacterial activity evaluated against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus revealed a strong ZnO nanoparticle concentration‐dependent response, with the combined effect of 1 wt% ZnO and 1 wt% crystalline nano cellulose embedded membrane achieving an overall 92% reduction in bacterial viability for both strains. These multifunctional hybrid membranes demonstrate promising potential for sustainable applications in biomedical filtration and infection control.