Enhancing Antioxidant and Antibacterial Properties of Glutaraldehyde Cross‐Linked Xylan/Cellulose Nanocomposites With Tween 80 Surfactant: Synthesis, Evaluation, and Characterization

ABSTRACT This study delves into the intricate design and functionality of xylan/cellulose (X/C) nanocomposites enhanced with glutaraldehyde and Tween‐80, uncovering the critical relationships between their composition, structure, and multifaceted properties. By systematically varying the proportions of xylan, cellulose, glutaraldehyde, and Tween‐80, we observed significant impacts on the composites' physical, chemical, and biological attributes. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy highlighted esterification (1740–1750 cm −1 ) and ether (1100–1200 cm −1 ) peaks in Tween‐80 modified samples, with Schiff base formation (C═N stretching at ∼1620–1650 cm −1 ) in glutaraldehyde‐rich nanocomposites. X‐ray diffraction (XRD) analysis revealed the highest crystallinity index (48.2%) in X/C‐3, attributed to balanced xylan‐cellulose proportions, and the lowest (36.4%) in X/C‐2 due to xylan induced amorphization. Corrosponding d ‐values ranged from 3.31296Å (X/C‐1) to 4.16839 Å (X/C‐2). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) provided a window into anatomy of surfaces, showcasing influence of component ratios and additives on composite homogeneity. Electro‐kinetic potential measurements underscored the colloidal stability in X/C‐2 (−17.06 mV) and the lowest in X/C‐5 (−12.61 mV) due to glutaraldehyde crosslinking. Particle size distribution (D50) ranged from 162.5 nm (X/C‐5) to 304.2 nm (X/C‐4), correlating with composition and crosslinking density. Antioxidant activity ranged from 68.5% to 84.7%, while antibacterial assays confirmed potency in favor of both Gram‐positive as well as Gram‐negative bacteria. This research highlights the pivotal role of composition in fine‐tuning the physical, chemical, and biological properties of X/C nanocomposites, offering avenues for their application in biomedical, pharmaceutical, and environmental contexts.