AERIAL ROOTS OF BANYAN TREE: A PROMISING SUSTAINABLE SOURCE FOR

EXTRACTION OF FIBRES

Princy Rana* and Dr. Sheetal Chopra**

*Research Scholar, **Assistant Professor, Department of Fabric and Apparel Science,
Lady Irwin College, University of Delhi, New Delhi-110001

ABSTRACT
Transition to a more sustainable bio-based economy as a result of increased consumer awareness
regarding the carbon footprint has led to the inclination towards natural and biodegradable sources.
Researches are continuously engaged in searching for new unconventional fibre sources to
decrease the strain on land and other resources. A banyan tree is important to Indian society not
only for its religious and cultural significance but also for the myriad of health benefits derived
from it. Endophytes in the aerial roots provide this tree with protection from microbes hence,
forming a symbiotic relationship. Present study was aimed at utilizing an otherwise unused part of
the banyan tree, which is, the aerial roots to produce a completely biodegradable natural fibre with
inherent antimicrobial properties.
Extraction of fibres from aerial roots of banyan tree was done using biological, chemical and
enzymatic treatments and their conditions were optimized. Additionally, they were given
bleaching and softening treatments to improve colour and handle as well as for further
individualization. The characterization of the raw material was done in terms of the moisture, ash
content. Physio-mechanical properties of fibres extracted using various treatments were analyzed
and compared with other lignocellulosic fibres. Furthermore, antimicrobial properties of the raw
material and fibres were also tested.
While treatment using sodium carbonate had maximum fibre yield, however, in terms of all
properties of extracted fibres, treatment with sodium hydroxide was the best. Physical properties
of extracted fibres were comparable to other similar cellulosic fibres like sisal, coir, jute. These
fibres have the unique combination of properties such as low strength, moderate elongation along
with excellent moisture regain and retention and can be potentially used to make hand made
products; in combination with other fibres for yarn formation or can be used as composites. The
extracted fibres also exhibited excellent resistance against bacterial and fungal growth, which is
quite rare in case of natural cellulosic fibres making them quite suitable for potential usage in
hygiene products.
Key words: Banyan Tree, aerial roots, sustainable fibres, waste utilization, hygiene products.

1. INTRODUCTION
Natural fibres serve as an excellent raw material for ‘green products’ as they are biodegradable
and fully recyclable. They are also characterized by low specific weight, thermal and acoustic
parameters with favourable values, high hygroscopicity and very low accumulation of electrostatic
charges on their surface. A closer look into the cultivation and production of natural cellulosics
however, gives rise to concerns of exerting undue pressure on natural resources such as land, water,
and energy needed to grow these crops. With an increasing population, the land available for
allocation to textile crops is competing with that for food crops. A large number of attempts have
been made to find new viable sources of such fibres that are at par in terms of performance
properties with the ones already in use. This is to decrease the dependency on the traditional
sources and in turn conserve land as well as other resources used in growing them. The major
problem encountered is their vulnerability to microbial attack and hence chemicals are used to
prevent it [1].
In specific conditions, like high humidity and temperature, natural fibres and hence, textiles
produced from them are susceptible to biodegradation. To protect the natural fibres from this bio
deterioration, certain finishes are applied but they are generally made from synthetic chemicals
and again end up increasing the number of pollutants. In unprotected materials made from natural
fibres, microorganisms cause the degradation of cellulose. This leads to a loss of strength in the
material and causes the emission of odours, Thus, the need arises for natural fibres that are
somewhat inherently immune to microbial action.
Ficus benghalensis Linn, commonly known as banyan tree is considered to be a sacred tree in
south-east Asian countries, especially India. Various parts of this plant and their extracts have
different medicinal properties. Bark, leaves and fruits of F. benghalensis have been used because
of their anti-bacterial, anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, anti-diabetic properties [2].
This study was undertaken to explore the possibility of extraction of fibres from the aerial roots of
a banyan tree with the following objectives:
• To optimize the conditions for extraction of fibres from aerial roots of banyan trees using
various treatments;
• To analyze the physio-mechanical properties of extracted fibres and compare them with other
lignocellulosic fibres; and
• To study the antibacterial and antifungal properties of the extracted fibres to find possible
applications in hygiene products along with other industrial applications.

2. MATERIALS AND METHODOLOGY

2.1. MATERIALS
Aerial Roots of Banyan tree, Laboratory grade NaOH, Na2CO3, Urea, Hydrogen Peroxide, A
commercial pectate-lyase enzyme; a commercial polysiloxane softener.

2.2. METHODOLOGY
2.2.1 Extraction of Fibers
Water Retting
Aerial roots were subjected to biological maceration for a period of 15, 30 and 45 days in water
with MLR 1:40 at a temperature of 25 oC. The water was changed every 7 days.

Extraction using various chemical treatments

Extraction conditions using Na2CO3, NaOH, Urea and Enzyme treatment have been summarized
in Table 1.
Table 1: Conditions used for various chemical treatments

Conditions Used Na2CO3 NaOH Urea Treatment Enzyme Treatment

Treatment Treatment
Concentration (g/l) 5, 7.5 5, 7.5 2.5, 5, 7.5 2.5, 5, 7.5
Time Duration 60, 90, 120, 180 30, 60, 90, 60, 90, 120, 180 120, 180, 240, 300
(minutes) 120
Temperature ( oC) 90 60 , 90 90 75
MLR 1:40 1:40 1:40 1:40
Neutralization 5% Acetic Acid Solution --

Bleaching of extracted fibres

The extracted fibres were bleached using Hydrogen Peroxide to whiten them as well as for further
individualization.
Softening Treatment
For making the fibres more pliable, they were given a softener treatment using a polysiloxane
commercial softener, using a 20g/l solution for 90 minutes at 60oC. After the softening treatment,
the fibres were washed thoroughly and dried

2.2.2 Analysis of Raw Material (Aerial Roots)

The moisture content of the raw material was determined after 24 hours and 48 hours of air-drying,
in accordance with TAPPI Standard T-210m – 58. Ash content was determined using TAPPI
Standard T-211 m - 58.

2.2.3. Testing of Extracted Fibres

Physical Parameters
The length of the fibres was determined using the test method in accordance with IS: 10014 (Part
1)-1984. The fibre fineness was measured on Vibroskope-400 which is an automatic instrument
for the determination of fibre fineness. The test was carried out in accordance with ASTM D-1577:
07, using the vibration method. The breaking strength, tenacity and elongation were measured in
accordance with ASTM D-3822:07 on the Vibroscope machine. The test for moisture regain was
done in accordance with standard IS 199. The test for water retention was done according to ASTM
D 2402- 2001.

Biological Properties
• Antibacterial activity
Antibacterial activity was tested against Staphylococcus aureus (Gram Positive) and E.coli (Gram
Negative). Raw material (aerial roots) as well as the fibres extracted using various treatments were
powdered and used as specimens. Antibacterial activity of aqueous extracts was determined by
Agar Well Diffusion Method. The petri dishes were analyzed after a period of 24 hours for the
bacterial growth and respective zones of inhibition. The test was qualitative in nature to check
whether the bacteria are is able to grow on the aqueous extracts of the fibres or not.
• Antifungal activity
Antifungal activity was tested against Aspergillus niger. The raw material (aerial roots) as well as
the fibres extracted using various treatments were powdered and used. Antifungal activity of
powdered specimens was determined by introducing fungal mold onto the petri dish near the
specimen powder. The petri dishes were then analyzed after a period of 24 hours for the fungal
growth with an aim to note whether the fungal growth is toward the specimen or away from it. It
is a Qualitative test.

3. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

3.1 Fibre Extraction
Water Retting
The epidermal layer did not begin to disintegrate till a period of 15 days. When checked after 30
days, dissolution of the epidermis was seen and by the end of 45 days, the cork consisting of a
cluster of fibres was visible and was swollen to facilitate the extraction. Further, by the time period
of 60 days, the aerial roots had begun to rot. So, the fibres were extracted manually after a period
of 45 days. The fibres obtained are as seen in Figure 1(a).
Treatment with Sodium Hydroxide
At 60oC, the epidermal layer did not disintegrate for either of the concentrations. At 90oC the
concentration of 5g/l yielded extractable fibres but increasing the concentration to 7.5g/l resulted
in fibres becoming weak and readily breakable. Hence, concentration of 5g/l was used for various
time durations. The best extraction occurred after 90 minutes treatment. Thus, the best extraction
condition using NaOH was 5g/l NaOH at 90oC for 90 minutes (MLR 1:40) as seen in Figure 1(b).
Treatment with Urea
Best results were obtained for concentration of 7.5g/l and 120 minutes treatment time at 90oC
(MLR 1:40). The extracted fibres are as seen in Figure 1(c).
Treatment with Enzyme
The pH (pH 7) was kept constant while varying other conditions as presented in Table 1.The best
extraction condition using enzyme was at a concentration of 5g/l enzyme 90 oC and pH 7 for 240
minutes (MLR 1:40). The extracted fibres are seen in Figure 1(d).
Treatment with Sodium Carbonate
At a concentration of 7.5g/l, weakening of the material was seen resulting in a lower yield of
extractable fibres in comparison to the concentration of 5g/l. Variation in time affected the ease of
extraction of the fibres. The best extraction was observed after treatment for 120 minutes. The best
extraction condition using Na2CO3 was 5g/l Na2CO3 at 90oC for 120 minutes (MLR 1:40). The
extracted fibres are presented as Figure 1(e).

Figure 1: Fibres extracted using various treatments

Yield of fibres after extraction
The percentage yield of fibres was calculated for the aerial roots after various treatment methods
and has been presented in Table 2.
Table 2: Yield Percentage of fibres extracted using various treatments
S.No Treatment Used Yield
Percentage
1. Water Retting 13
2. Treatment with Na2CO3 20.1
3. Treatment with NaOH 15.5
4. Treatment with Urea 18
5. Treatment with Enzyme 15.8

Yield % age for the treatment with Na2CO3 was the highest while water retting resulted in the
lowest yield.
Bleaching using Hydrogen Peroxide
Bleaching treatment using hydrogen peroxide was given to extracted fibers. Along with the
removal of colour, the individualization of fibres also occurred as seen Figure 2(ii) in comparison
with fibres extracted using Na2CO3 treatment ( Figure 2(i)).
Softening Treatment
The fibres extracted using Na2CO3 were given a polysiloxane commercial softener treatment since
they had the highest yield. Improvement in lustre was also observed after the softener treatment
(Figure 2(iii)).
 Figure 2: Effect of Bleaching and Softening Treatment on Extracted Fibres

3.2 Analysis of raw material

The raw material was analysed for its moisture and ash content. The results obtained were as
follows:
Moisture Content was found to be 56% while ash content was 3%
The moisture content of the raw material affects the diameter, length, and length to diameter ratio
of wood fibres. With increase in moisture content, generally, the length, diameter as well as the
length to diameter ratio increase. The moisture content was found to be 56% which is high.
Presence of inorganic impurities can be harmful to the human skin when present in the products
to be used next to the human skin, so the ash content should be as low as possible. The ash content
of the aerial roots of banyan tree was found to be 3% which is quite low.
3.3 Analysis of physical properties of extracted fibres
Table 3 gives the values of the physical properties tested for the fibres extracted using various
conditions. Physical properties of known cellulosic fibres have been summarized in Table 4 for
comparison.
Table 3: Comparison of Various Physical Properties of Fibres Extracted Using Different
Treatments
D I F E G H
Test Parameter Water Treatment Treatment Treatment Treatment Treatment
Retting with with with with with
Na2CO3 Na2CO3, NaOH; Urea; Bactosol;
bleached bleached bleached Bleached
Fibre Length (cm) 3.57 4.73 4.21 4.76 6.45 6.06
Fibre Fineness 106.03 87.89 112.06 107.56 124.89 87.72
(denier)
Breaking Strength 157.12 130.27 164.07 169.26 160.68 119.88
(g)
Tenacity (g/d) 1.50 1.49 1.48 1.60 1.30 1.37
 Elongation at Break 7.47 4.17 6.38 8.06 4.48 3.88
(%)
Moisture Regain (%) 7.7 18.7 3.8 19.8 12.5 21.3
Water Retention (%) 130 60 88 56 108 28

Table 4: Comparison of Various Physical Properties of Natural Cellulosic Fibres

Physical Parameters
Fibre Denier Tenacity(g/d) Breaking Moisture Regain
Fibre Elongation (%)
(%)
Jute 5-25 2.0-6.3 1.0-2.0 10.08
Flax 12-30 2.6-8.0 1.5-5 8.205
Hemp 16-50 3.0-7.0 1.5-5 8.0
Ramie 16-125 4.5-8.8 1.5-5 6.60
Kenaf 14-33 2.4-3.33 1.6 10-20
Sisal 100-400 6.46 3.02 10.57
Nettle 20-80 5.65 1.2 5-8
Banana 17 29.98 6.54 13
PALF 22-50 3.41-4.53 2.4-3.4 11
Coir 450-495 1.1 30 10.5

Natural Bamboo 23.22 5.43 3.59 10.14

Source: [3], [4]

It was observed, as shown in Table 3 that the fibres extracted using urea followed by bleaching
treatment were the longest (6.45cm) while those extracted post water retting were the shortest
(3.57cm).
The finest fibres, as indicated by Table 3 were extracted using enzyme followed by bleaching
treatment with an average of 87.72 denier while the coarsest ones were extracted using Urea
followed by bleaching with an average of 124.39 denier . Nonetheless, they all are coarse fibres.
This could be because these fibres were not separated to individual fibres and were in fact, a bundle
of fibres.
As seen in Table 3, the maximum tenacity is in case of extracted fibres is when treated with NaOH
(followed by bleaching) treatment averaging 160.0 g/d. A drastic decrease in strength occurred
when the fibres that were initially treated using Na2CO3 and bleached were given a softener
treatment. Among other cellulosic fibres, banana fibres have the highest tenacity followed by sisal
(Table 4).
Treatment with NaOH followed by bleaching had the maximum elongation of 8.06% while those
treated with enzyme followed by bleaching had the lowest elongation of 3.88% (Table 3)
Moisture regain of the fibres extracted with NaOH followed by bleaching treatment was the
maximum i.e. 19.8% while the minimum was for those extracted after treatment with Na2CO3 i.e.
3.8%.
Out of all the treatments used, fibres extracted after water retting have the highest water retention
of 130% while those treated with enzyme have the lowest water retention of 28% (Table 3).
Nonetheless, the overall water retention property of these fibres is very good.
3.4 Analysis of antimicrobial properties
Antibacterial Activity
The fibres extracted using various treatments as well as the raw material (dried aerial roots) were
evaluated for their antibacterial activity. As per the qualitative assessment of the aqueous pastes of
the powdered samples against gram-negative bacteria (E. coli), all the samples showed restricted
bacterial growth with a clear zone of inhibition, indicating a leaching action against gram-negative
bacteria. Also, it was noted that the fibres extracted using urea treatment followed by bleaching
had the largest zone of inhibition, as seen in Figure 3(ii).
In case of gram-positive bacteria (S. aureus), although there is no leaching action, still, the bacteria
are restricted outside the well containing the aqueous extracts of the samples,(Figure 4) which
indicates an antibacterial action gram positive bacteria as well.

Figure 3: Qualitative Assessment of Antibacterial Figure 4: Qualitative Assessment of Antibacterial

Property (Gram Negative Bacteria- E. coli) Property (Gram Positive Bacteria- S. aureus)

Antifungal Activity
The fibres extracted using various treatments as well as the raw material were evaluated for their
antifungal activity. All the samples showed fungal growth away from the specimen powders
indicating antifungal properties while fibre specimens extracted using enzyme treatment showed
the greatest resistance to fungi.
So, the fibres extracted from the aerial roots of banyan tree exhibit resistance to biological growth
including gram-positive and negative bacteria as well as fungi.
4. CONCLUSION
Out of all the treatments used for extraction, although the treatment using sodium carbonate
generated the maximum fibres in terms of yield, nonetheless, according to the overall analysis
of properties, fibers extracted using treatment with sodium hydroxide, were the best.
 It was also observed that the physical properties of fibres extracted from aerial
roots of banyantree were comparable to other similar cellulosic fibres like sisal,
coir, jute; along with the addedadvantage that the aerial roots of banyan tree do not
require cutting down of the tree and it is aportion of the plant which can be put to
use with commercial value without damaging the tree.The resulting fibres have
the unique combination of properties such as low strength, moderate elongation
along with excellent moisture regain and retention. Additionally, the fibres
extracted from aerial roots of banyan tree exhibited excellent resistance against
bacterial and fungal growth, which is quite rare in case of natural cellulosic fibres,
making them quite suitable for potential usage in hygiene products such as
nonwovens in baby diapers, feminine hygiene products, nursing pads, surgical
masks etc. Other industrial applications in terms of composites with suitable
fibres could be envisaged such as ropes and twines are widely employed for
marine, agricultural, and general industrial use, speciality paper, dartboards,
filters, geotextiles, or as a microbe-resistant filling in mattresses. It can also be
used as a reinforcement in fibre reinforced plastics.

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