Abstract
Multifunctional biopolymer composites comprising mechanically-disintegrated bacterial cellulose, alginate, gelatin and curcumin plasticized with glycerol were successfully fabricated through a simple, facile, cost-effective mechanical blending and casting method. SEM images indicate a well-distributed structure of the composites. The water contact angles existed in the range of 50–70°. Measured water vapor permeability values were 300–800 g/m2/24 h, which were comparable with those of commercial dressing products. No release of curcumin from the films was observed during the immersion in PBS and artificial saliva, and the fluid uptakes were in the range of 100–700%. Films were stretchable and provided appropriate stiffness and enduring deformation. Hydrated films adhered firmly onto the skin. In vitro mucoadhesion time was found in the range of 0.5–6 h with porcine mucosa as model membrane under artificial saliva medium. The curcumin-loaded films had substantial antibacterial activity against E. coli and S. aureus. The films showed non-cytotoxicity to human keratinocytes and human gingival fibroblasts but exhibited potent anticancer activity in oral cancer cells. Therefore, these curcumin-loaded films showed their potential for use as leave-on skin applications. These versatile films can be further developed to achieve desirable characteristics for local topical patches for wound care, periodontitis and oral cancer treatment.
Highlights
Over the past years, various types of biopolymers have been studied and proposed as alternatives for biomedical approaches
Curcumin solutions of 1 mL were added into 100 g of Bacterial cellulose (BC)/alginate/gelatin blends, and the mixtures were added with glycerol at 2 g/10 g of gelatin solution
To develop a multifunctional biopolymer composite film, curcumin was integrated into BCAGG composite film
Summary
Various types of biopolymers have been studied and proposed as alternatives for biomedical approaches. There are still attempts to develop functional biomaterials to meet the increasing demands for practical and safe options for clinical uses. Antimicrobial biomaterial obtained by incorporation of antimicrobial agents into biocomposites shows promise as a useful and environmentally friendly method; antimicrobial agents such as antiseptics might cause some drawbacks as they can lead to bacterial resistance with prolonged use, allergic reactions and side effects with high dose usage. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have been one of the prevalent metallic materials being studied, owing to their antimicrobial properties. Despite potential as antimicrobial agents, AgNPs have been reported to possibly be harmful to human health. Silver and Molecules 2020, 25, 3800; doi:10.3390/molecules25173800 www.mdpi.com/journal/molecules
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