GC-MS Analysis of Liposoluble Components from Six Kinds of Bast Fibers and Correlative Study on Their Antibacterial Activity

This study systematically investigated the liposoluble components and their potential correlation with antibacterial activity in six bast fiber varieties—Apocynum venetum, Corchorus capsularis, Hibiscus cannabinus, Linum usitatissimum, Cannabis sativa, and Boehmeria nivea—using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The analysis identified a range of compounds including alkanes, phenols, sterols, esters, and triterpenoids, with notable compositional differences among the fibers. Tetracontane was predominant in A. venetum (40.39%) and H. cannabinus (22.47%), while γ-sitosterol was highest in C. capsularis (12.80%). L. usitatissimum was rich in n-hexadecanoic acid (9.16%), C. sativa in heptacosanal (8.96%), and B. nivea in both tetracontane (45.42%) and tetracosane (10.09%). Based on existing literature, components such as 2,4-di-tert-butylphenol, γ-sitosterol, n-hexadecanoic acid, lupeol, and betulin were inferred as key antibacterial constituents. A comprehensive review of reported antimicrobial activities revealed distinct antibacterial spectra and intensities across the varieties, aligning with their unique liposoluble profiles. This study provides a systematic chemical profile of bast fibers and offers a predictive assessment of their antibacterial potential. The findings lay a chemical foundation for future targeted research and development of antibacterial materials derived from specific bast fiber varieties.