Characterization of Abelmoschus esculentus plant waste fiber for sustainable composite and biomedical applications

The valorization of agricultural waste as a source of sustainable materials is gaining momentum in composite development. This study focuses on fibers extracted from Abelmoschus esculentus (okra) plant waste stems through water retting, mechanical scraping, and alkali treatment, followed by comprehensive characterization. X-ray diffraction analysis revealed a semi-crystalline structure with a crystallinity index of 30.3%, while Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy confirmed the presence of cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin functional groups. Tensile testing demonstrated a tensile strength of 13.79 MPa and an elongation at break of 0.36 indicating good mechanical performance for biodegradable composites. Scanning electron microscopy showed rough and fibrillated fiber surfaces, suggesting enhanced interfacial adhesion potential. Antibacterial testing against Salmonella typhimurium exhibited a notable inhibition zone of 23 mm at a 50 µg concentration, closely comparable to the standard antibiotic streptomycin. Confocal laser scanning microscopy further revealed significant disruption of biofilm formation, with increased bacterial cell death after fiber extract treatment. These findings collectively highlight that Abelmoschus esculentus fibers possess an advantageous combination of mechanical strength, chemical functionality, and antimicrobial activity, making them efficient material for eco-friendly composite applications in environmental and biomedical sectors.