Biocompatible bacterial cellulose-poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) nanocomposite films

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Biomaterials Engineering
• Polymer Chemistry

Background:

• Bacterial cellulose (BC) is a biocompatible nanomaterial with potential in biomedical applications.
• Poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (PHEMA) is a hydrogel-forming polymer with tunable properties.
• Developing advanced wound dressings requires materials with improved mechanical, thermal, and biological properties.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize and characterize bacterial cellulose-poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (BC/PHEMA) nanocomposite films.
• To evaluate the physical, chemical, thermal, and mechanical properties of the developed nanocomposite films.
• To assess the cytocompatibility of BC/PHEMA nanocomposites for potential biomedical applications.

Main Methods:

• In situ radical polymerization of 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) was performed on bacterial cellulose.
• Poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate (PEGDA) was used as a cross-linker in varying concentrations.
• Physical, chemical, thermal, and mechanical properties were analyzed.
• Cytotoxicity was evaluated using human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADSCs).

Main Results:

• The BC/PHEMA nanocomposite films demonstrated improved translucency compared to pure BC.
• Enhanced thermal stability and mechanical performance were observed in the nanocomposites compared to pure PHEMA.
• The developed BC/PHEMA nanocomposites were found to be non-toxic to human ADSCs.

Conclusions:

• BC/PHEMA nanocomposite films offer a promising combination of enhanced properties and biocompatibility.
• These materials show significant potential for use as advanced dry dressings in biomedical applications.
• The study highlights the successful integration of BC and PHEMA for improved biomaterial performance.