IJEP 46(11): 1091-1106 : Vol. 46 Issue 11 (November 2026)
Swarn Veer Singh Jaral1, Manpreet Singh1 and Shilpa Raina2,3*
1. Lovely Professional University, School of Mechanical Engineering, Phagwara – 144 411, Punjab, India
2. Shri Venkateshwara University, School of Applied Sciences, Gajraula – 244 236, Uttar Pradesh, India
3. Shri Venkateshwara University, Department of Research and Development, Gajraula – 244 236, Uttar Pradesh, India
Abstract
Amid escalating concerns about climate change and the depletion of natural resources, wood has attracted attention as a sustainable, multifunctional construction material. Beyond its mechanical strength and renewability, certain wood species possess intrinsic antibacterial properties, making them well suited for use in hygiene-sensitive environments. However, the porous, organic nature of wood surfaces can limit such applications. To address these constraints, this study investigates the antibacterial potential and thermal insulation properties of tree barks — an abundant, cost-effective resource in the northern Himalayan region. The research focuses on four tree species: Quercus palmeri, Pinus roxburgii, Olea europaea and Cedrus deodara. The antibacterial efficacy of their bark extracts was evaluated against five bacterial strains and their phytochemical composition was elucidated via gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GCMS) profiling. Results showed that Quercus palmeri exhibited the strongest antibacterial activity, with the largest zone of inhibition (24.0±0.42 mm) against Bacillus subtilis, whereas the smallest inhibition zone (7.2±1.0 mm) was observed for Olea europaea against Escherichia coli. GCMS analysis revealed distinct phytochemical profiles for each species, with major constituents including N-[(E)-(6-nitro-1,3-benzodioxol-5-yl)methylidene]-2-phenylethanamine (24.14%) in Quercus palmeri, 4,5-dimethoxy-6-[(E)-2-nitroethenyl]-1,3-benzodioxole (14.78%) in Pinus roxburgii, 4a-methyl-7,7-diphenyl-4,4a,5,6,7,8-hexahydronaphthalen-2(3H)-one (43.21%) in Olea europaea and 1,3,2-dioxaphosphorinane, 2-ethoxy-5,5-dimethyl (15.86%) in Cedrus deodara. These findings underscore the dual functionality of Himalayan tree barks, offering both antimicrobial properties and thermal insulation capabilities, thereby facilitating their integration into sustainable architectural materials. By valorizing these underutilized resources, this research contributes to the advancement of eco-innovative, high-performance building solutions that align with global sustainability imperatives and circular economy principles.
Keywords
Antibacterial activity, Quercus palmeri, Pinus roxburgii, Olea europea, Cedrus deodar, Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry, Insulation material
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