Physical properties of bacterial cellulose composites for wound dressings

To test various formulas and techniques for manufacturing dry-fabricated bio-film (DFBF) that exhibits physical properties advantageous to the use of the DFBF in wound dressings, a DFBF was fabricated by adding chitosan (Chi) and alginate (Alg) to homogenized bacterial cellulose (BC) obtained from vinegar pellicles in vinegar brewing byproducts in this study. The results revealed that the degree of oxidation in DFBF manufactured using hydrogen peroxide oxidized BC (HOBC), with 0.092% carboxyl group content, was lower than that in DFBF manufactured using periodic acid oxidized BC (POBC), but DFBF made using HOBC exhibited higher elongation, rehydration, swelling ratios, and water vapor transmission than that fabricated using POBC. A DFBF composite gel with 98.5% water content possessed appropriate fluidity for molding. After 10 min of rinsing cross-linked HOBC, 72 ppm of calcium remained in the final DFBF, which not only prevented cell toxicity but also demonstrated desirable mechanical and rehydration properties. Overall, the modified DFBF possessed a high rehydration ratio of 51.69% and could absorb and gradually release naringin by up to 80% within 24 h. This modified DFBF has the potential for exudate absorption and the controlled release of medicinal substances at the initial stage of healing when used in wound dressings. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.