Carboxymethylcellulose-Based Hydrogel Obtained from Bacterial Cellulose.

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Polymer Chemistry
• Chemical Engineering

Background:

• Bacterial cellulose (BC) is a biocompatible polymer produced economically by *Gluconacetobacter xylinus*.
• Carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) hydrogels are valuable in biomedical applications due to their properties.
• Modifying BC into CMC can enhance its applicability in healthcare.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize sodium carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) hydrogel from bacterial cellulose (BC) via etherification.
• To investigate the effect of alkalinization on BC modification.
• To characterize the resulting CMC hydrogel for potential biomedical applications.

Main Methods:

• Bacterial cellulose (BC) synthesized using *Gluconacetobacter xylinus*.
• BC etherification with chloroacetic acid in an alkaline medium.
• Characterization using FTIR, XRD, SEM, and rheological analysis.
• Hydrogel formation via dehydrothermal treatment and water absorption testing.

Main Results:

• Successful synthesis of water-soluble CMC from BC.
• FTIR and XRD confirmed the etherification reaction.
• Alkalinization influenced BC's molecular weight and degree of substitution.
• SEM showed a transformation from fibrous to a smooth microstructure.
• Produced crosslinked hydrogel (CMC-0 h) with 35x water absorption capacity.

Conclusions:

• Optimized CMC production from BC offers a pathway to ultrapure hydrogels.
• The synthesized hydrogel demonstrates significant potential for healthcare and pharmaceutical applications.
• This method provides a sustainable route for advanced biomaterial development.