Physicochemical and thermal characterization, and evaluation of a bacterial cellulose/Barhang gum-based dressing for wound healing

Abstract

The gram-negative bacterium of Gluconacetobacter xylinum is widely used to produce high-quality cellulose in the form of complex strips in microfiber bundles on a commercial scale. In this study, the film-forming potential of bacterial cellulose in combination with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA, 5 % w/v) and Barhang seed gum (BSG, 0.5 % w/v) loaded with summer savory (Satureja hortensis L.) essential oil (SSEO) to prepare a new wound dressing was investigated. The X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), field emission-scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) surface area, in-vitro antibacterial, and in-vivo wound healing activities were performed to assess the structure, morphology, stability, and bioactivity of biocomposite films. Results showed that the SSEO incorporation into the polymeric matrix yielded smooth and transparent composite film with excellent thermal resistance. A significantly robust antibacterial activity against gram-negative bacteria by the bio-film was found. The healing process on mice models revealed that the SSEO-loaded composite film had a promising potential for wound healing associated with improved collagen deposition and reduced inflammatory response.