Synthesis and characterization of agarose-bacterial cellulose biodegradable composites

Agarose is an abundant and biodegradable polymer with strength comparable or higher than other commonly used natural polymers. Agarose can be used for wound dressing and tissue engineering applications. Excessive water uptake and moderate strength limit its applicability for various applications. The objective of this study was to enhance its strength by reinforcing with bacterial cellulose. The addition of bacterial cellulose exhibited remarkable enhancement of 140% in the tensile strength of agarose bioplastic. The strength increased from 25.1 MPa for agarose bioplastic to a maximum of 60.2 MPa for 20% (w/w) of bacterial cellulose. There was a decrease in the amount of water absorption; at 37 degrees C, the composite films absorbed 450% of their own weight of water, as against 700% absorption by un-reinforced bioplastic films at the same temperature. Thermogravimetric analysis did not reveal any perceivable change in the thermal stability of the bioplastic. Biodegradability of composite films was also established.