Curcumin-Loaded Bacterial Cellulose/Alginate/Gelatin as A Multifunctional Biopolymer Composite Film

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Polymer Chemistry
• Drug Delivery

Background:

• Biopolymer composites offer versatile platforms for biomedical applications.
• Curcumin possesses known antibacterial and anticancer properties.
• Developing effective topical delivery systems remains a challenge.

Purpose of the Study:

• To fabricate multifunctional biopolymer composites incorporating curcumin.
• To evaluate the physical, mechanical, and biological properties of these composites for potential skin applications.
• To assess the antibacterial and anticancer efficacy of curcumin-loaded films.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of composites using bacterial cellulose, alginate, gelatin, and glycerol via mechanical blending and casting.
• Characterization using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), water contact angle, and water vapor permeability measurements.
• Evaluation of mechanical properties, in vitro mucoadhesion, drug release, cytotoxicity, and antibacterial/anticancer activity.

Main Results:

• Composites exhibited a well-distributed structure and suitable water contact angles (50-70°).
• Water vapor permeability was comparable to commercial dressings (300-800 g/m²/24 h), with significant fluid uptake (100-700%).
• Films demonstrated good mechanical properties, skin adhesion, mucoadhesion (0.5-6 h), potent antibacterial activity against E. coli and S. aureus, non-cytotoxicity to normal cells, and anticancer effects on oral cancer cells.

Conclusions:

• The fabricated curcumin-loaded biopolymer composites are multifunctional and suitable for leave-on skin applications.
• These versatile films show significant potential for developing advanced topical patches for wound care, periodontitis, and oral cancer treatment.