Cellulosic microporous superabsorbent materials with tunable morphology

A process for preparing an antimicrobial cellulose-containing microporous superabsorbent composition from an herbaceous plant material, the process comprising the step of comminuting dry granulated herbaceous plant material to form microparticles having an average particle diameter of from 100μm to 800μm. Optionally the microparticles may then be contacted with an aqueous solution (preferably comprising an alkaline reagent) to wash out soluble components, the aqueous solution then removed from the washed microparticles; and also optionally, the microparticles dried. Optionally, a film may be formed and allowed to dry. Finally, the process comprises at least once contacting the microparticles or the microparticle film with an antimicrobial agent precursor under conditions inducive of the formation, attachment or binding of an antimicrobial agent; followed by isolating the antimicrobially modified microporous superabsorbent composition or the antimicrobially modified microporous film. In one embodiment, an antimicrobial composition obtained by the described process comprises an herbaceous cellulose-containing substrate and an antimicrobial agent adhered to the substrate. A substrate comprising the composition may be used in methods of treating or covering wounds.