Naked Science Forum
Life Sciences => Cells, Microbes & Viruses => Topic started by: charli on 14/06/2021 06:03:18
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Arthur asks:
"How much truth is there to the claim that bamboo products are antimicrobial? Is it down to the lignin structure and is this unique to bamboo species?"
Do you know the answer?
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It has been demonstrated that wooden cutting boards have antibacterial properties. Pathogens such as Salmonella and Listeria will die within minutes of being put on a hardwood cutting board. I would not be surprised if bamboo had the same properties.
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Like wood, bamboo consists of layers of cellulose and lignin. Lignin is a natural plastic made up of phenol. If a bacteria tries to break down lignin it's rewarded only with a face full of phenols, which is antiseptic and tends to kill it.
But it's not just that. When bamboo, or wood is dried, it creates a surface that wicks liquids. When bacteria is placed on the surface, the surface sucks the bacteria into the surface, where it dries out and dies. However, in nature, fungi, insects, and marine borers can break down bamboo just fine- particularly if it's kept damp.
So yes, while bamboo is a grass, like true woods, bamboo is antibacterial, but you still need to allow it to dry out to avoid fungi and molds from destroying it and keep it away from munchy insects.
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In rural Thailand, I saw bamboo used as a common construction material - even a high bridge over a wide river.
But they told me that it only lasts about 2 years before it has to be replaced, as there are fungi that break down bamboo, and the high humidity in the wet season allows these fungi to flourish.