Biocomposites of synthetic polymer modified microcrystalline jute cellulose particles and their hemolytic behavior

Natural jute fiber can be used as a good source of biocomposite for application in biomedical field. Here microcrystalline jute cellulose (MCJC) particles were first prepared by the hydrolysis of bleached jute pulp with H 2 SO 4 and the effect of acid strength was examined. A maximum crystallinity index of 89% was found for MCJC particles prepared by hydrolysis with 30% H 2 SO 4 . The surface of MCJC particles possessing the highest crystallinity index was then modified with various synthetic polymers like poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (PHEMA), poly(glycidyl methacrylate) (PGMA), and poly(lauryl methacrylate-methyl methacrylate) P(LMA-MMA) via in situ seeded free radical polymerization. The values of crystallinity index decreased to 74, 66 and 76% in MCJC/PHEMA, MCJC/PGMA and MCJC/P(LMA-MMA) composite particles respectively. The adsorption magnitudes of biomolecules on composites were relatively high compared to those on MCJC particles. Lower hemolytic activities (< 1.0%) confirmed the biocompatible nature of composite particles, a requisite property for any composite desired for efficient biorelated applications. Graphic abstract