Abstract
New bacterial cellulose/chitosan (BC/Ch) nanocomposite films were obtained using a simple procedure by immersing BC synthesized by Komagataeibacter xylinus in 1% acetic acid solutions of Ch with the degree of deacetylation 75‒85% of medium molecular weight. The BC and BC/Ch composites chemical composition was examined by FTIR, the mechanical properties by a tensile tester, surface morphology by scanning electron microscopy, and antibacterial activity against S. aureus, E. coli and P. aeruginosa by diffusion and joint incubation methods. The FTIR spectra indicated the intermolecular interaction between BC and Ch. Due to addition of 0.6% (w/v) Ch, the films of BC/Ch become more homogeneous with a significantly denser fibril structure, smaller pore diameter and higher surface area in comparison to those of pure BC films. Micro- (15‒35 nm) and macrofibrils (50‒150 nm) in both BC and BC/Ch films are joined in ribbon-like fibers, providing a high degree of mechanical strength (Young’s modulus: 33‒36 MPa, tensile strength and elongation et break: 17, 22 MPa). The obtained hybrid material is transparent, flexible and displays good water absorption capacity and water vapor permeability. The films have reasonable thermal stability to be in contact with body or during steam sterilization, since maximum degradation temperature (Td) of both biocomposites is around 400‒600 °C. The disc diffusion method confirmed that the BC/Ch films have predominantly non-diffusible antibacterial properties. Antibacterial assessment by the joint incubation method proved that addition of Ch to BC films resulted in significant growth inhibition against target bacteria. The BC/Ch biocomposites’ notable properties make them suitable for wound healing applications.
Highlights
One of intensively developing directions of materials science is creation of biocomposites. In this area the popularity is raised by the researches directed to development of composite materials on the basis of bacterial cellulose (BC) biosynthesized by Komagataeibacter xylinus [1, 2]
It seems that a good way to improve mechanical and functionalities properties of Ch films is to create a blend with another natural polymer, such as BC
BC films were placed in chitosan solution and incubated for 6 h at room temperature
Summary
One of intensively developing directions of materials science is creation of biocomposites. Most often BC hydrogel film is applied in medicine as skin tissue repair and wound care materials due to its intrinsic nanofibrillated network structure [5]. Сhitosan (N-deacetylated derivate of chitin) is another natural polysaccharide It exhibits unique physicochemical properties like air and vapor permeability, antimicrobial activity, biocompatibility and excellent film-forming ability. It seems that a good way to improve mechanical and functionalities properties of Ch films is to create a blend with another natural polymer, such as BC Such a hybrid material would combine the advantageous properties of both cellulose and chitosan. The objectives of this study were (a) to produce biocomposite films from bacterial cellulose and chitosan possessing an antibacterial effect and (b) to evaluate their physicochemical, morphological and antibacterial properties relevant for their medical application
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