Cannabinoids and Terpemes Have Potential Decontaminating Properties
According to a new study published in the journal Molecules and epublished by the National Institute of Health, cannabinoids and terpenes may have significant decontaminating effects.
“Plant phytochemical [such as cannabinoids] have potential decontaminating properties, however, their role in the amelioration of hydrophobic water filtration membranes have not been elucidated yet”, states the study’s abstract. “In this work, phytochemicals (i.e., cannabinoids (C) and terpenes (T) from C. sativa) were revealed for their antibacterial activity against different Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria.”
As such, a synergistic relationship was observed between the two against all strains.
“The results of this study established cannabinoids and terpenes as an inexpensive solution for PES [polyethersulfone] membrane surface modification”, states researchers. “These hybrid membranes can be easily deployed at an industrial scale for water filtration purposes.”
The full abstract of the study can be found below:
Plant phytochemicals have potential decontaminating properties, however, their role in the amelioration of hydrophobic water filtration membranes have not been elucidated yet. In this work, phytochemicals (i.e., cannabinoids (C) and terpenes (T) from C. sativa) were revealed for their antibacterial activity against different Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. As such, a synergistic relationship was observed between the two against all strains. These phytochemicals individually and in combination were used to prepare polyethersulfone (PES) hybrid membranes. Membrane characterizations were carried out using scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. Moreover, contact angle, water retention, surface roughness, mechanical testing, and X-ray florescence analysis were also carried out. According to results, the CT-PES hybrid membrane exhibited the lowest contact angle (40°), the highest water retention (70%), and smallest average pore size (0.04 µm). The hybrid membrane also exhibited improved water flux with no surface leaching. Quantitative bacterial decline analysis of the CT-PES hybrid membranes confirmed an effective antibacterial performance against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. The results of this study established cannabinoids and terpenes as an inexpensive solution for PES membrane surface modification. These hybrid membranes can be easily deployed at an industrial scale for water filtration purposes.