Solvent-engineered extraction of Ziziphus mauritiana essential oils as functional antimicrobial additives for antimicrobial coatings and packaging systems

Mohd Zohdi, Nabiil Ahmadi and Ali, Fathilah and Wan Azle, Wan Muhammad Arief and Muhammad Rezal, Muhammad Nasrul Hakimi and Ahmad Nizam, Muhammad Alif Ziqri and Hanafi, Abdullah Nidhal and Mohtar, Muhammad Izzaham and Jamaluddin, Jamarosliza and Che Kassim, Nur Izzah Athirah and Ab Adzim Saifuddin, Md Nabil and Nagoor Gunny, Ahmad Anas and Chandrasekaram, Kumuthini and Kyunghee, Son and Minsoo P., Kim (2026) Solvent-engineered extraction of Ziziphus mauritiana essential oils as functional antimicrobial additives for antimicrobial coatings and packaging systems. Korean Journal of Chemical Engineering, 43 (10). pp. 2721-2733. ISSN 0256-1115 E-ISSN 1975-7220

	PDF - Published Version Restricted to Repository staff only Download (2MB) | Request a copy
Preview	PDF - Supplemental Material Download (163kB) | Preview
Preview	PDF - Supplemental Material Download (213kB) | Preview

Abstract

Bio-derived antimicrobial additives are gaining significant attention for functional polymer materials, including antimicrobial coatings, packaging films, and surface-engineered composites. In such macromolecular systems, the extraction chemistry is a critical factor as it governs the molecular functionality, polarity balance, and subsequent compatibility with polymer matrices. This study demonstrates a solvent-controlled Soxhlet extraction strategy using mixed hexane– ethanol systems (4:6, 6:4, and 7:3 ratios) to tailor the chemical characteristics of Ziziphus mauritiana essential oils for materials-oriented applications. A hexane–ethanol ratio of 6:4 produced a markedly enhanced oil yield of 39.8%, attributed to optimized solvent–matrix interactions enabling the simultaneous recovery of nonpolar lipid components and polar oxygenated compounds. FT-IR analysis revealed a balanced distribution of functional groups, indicating strong potential for intermolecular interactions relevant to polymer compatibility and dispersion stability. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC‑MS) analysis identified the presence of major plant-derived constituents such as phytol, squalene, fatty acid ethyl esters, and minor oxygenated terpenoids. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and optical microscopy provided mechanistic insights into mass transport, revealing solvent-dependent disruption of the plant matrix that facilitates the release of active species. The optimized bio-additive exhibited superior antibacterial activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, alongside concentration-dependent antifungal performance. These findings highlight the role of solvent engineering as a robust materials design strategy for tailoring bio-derived additives, supporting their integration into sustainable and high-performance antimicrobial polymer systems.

Item Type:	Article (Journal)
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Bio-derived functional additives · Soxhlet extraction · Solvent polarity · Antimicrobial polymer materials
Subjects:	T Technology > TP Chemical technology > TP155 Chemical engineering T Technology > TP Chemical technology > TP368 Food processing and manufacture
Kulliyyahs/Centres/Divisions/Institutes (Can select more than one option. Press CONTROL button):	Kulliyyah of Engineering > Department of Biotechnology Engineering
Depositing User:	Dr Fathilah Ali
Date Deposited:	15 Sep 2026 15:25
Last Update:	15 Sep 2026 16:15
Queue Number:	2026-09-Q5084
URI:	http://irep.iium.edu.my/id/eprint/131234
Indexed In:	WOS and SCOPUS, ERA, Google Scholar

Actions (login required)

View Item