Synthesis and Antimicrobial Evaluation of Bio-Based Polyol Derived from Chia Seed Oil for Sustainable Polymer Applications

Abstract

Research on bio-based polymers made from renewable resources has intensified due to the rising need for sustainable products. The oil from chia seeds (Salvia hispanica L.) was used in this work as a precursor for the sequential epoxidation and hydroxylation that produced a multifunctional polyol. FTIR and NMR spectroscopy were used to validate the structural change, exposing distinctive hydroxyl and ester functionalities. The polyol's phytochemical screening revealed the presence of bioactive substances such reducing sugars, saponins, and phenolics. When compared to raw chia seed oil, antibacterial testing showed larger inhibition zones for the polyol against Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Escherichia coli, indicating greater antimicrobial activity after functionalisation.These findings highlight the potential of polyol produced from chia seeds as a bioactive and sustainable monomer for the synthesis of polyester, with potential uses in biodegradable packaging and antimicrobial coatings.