Synthesis and characterization of hydrogel composite based on bacterial cellulose-gambir leaf extract (Uncaria gambir Roxb.)

Abstract

Synthesis and characterization of hydrogel composite based Bacterial Cellulose - Gambier Leaf Extract (BC-GLE) has been done. The purpose of this research was to obtain an elastic hydrogel composite BC-GLE that can be applied as a substitution material for cartilage. Preparation of this hydrogel composites conducted by immersing BC in GLE for 1, 2, 3 and 4 days. The effects of immersion time on the physical and mechanical properties of BC-GLE were studied by measuring its water content, compressive and tensile strength. The structures of BC-GLE were analyzed by using FTIR and XRD. The results showed an improvement of physical and mechanical properties of BC-GLE hydrogel composites in line with the duration of immersion. Absorption of GLE into BC matrix caused decreasing the water content of BC. The best water content percentage result was obtained from the BC-GLE composite which was immersed for 4 days, 98.211%. The best compressive strength result was also obtained from samples on the immersion time of 4 days, 2.633 MPa. The tensile strength of the BC-GLE hydrogel composite increased from day 1 to 3, but decreased in day 4. The best tensile strength result of 0.17 MPa was obtained on the day 3 immersion time. Physical and mechanical properties improvements of BC-GLE hydrogel composite were only caused by absorption of GLE to BC matrix without forming new bond. The FTIR results showed no new functional group was formed, but only showed vibration shift to a lower wave number. BC-GLE hydrogel composite structure was still in a cellulose type 1. Combination of BC and GLE produced BC-GLE hydrogel composite material that having physical and mechanical properties better than pure BC. However these properties values were not reached the standard to be applied as a substitute material for cartilage yet.