Bacteria-Derived Cellulose Membranes Modified with Graphene Oxide-Silver Nanoparticles for Accelerating Wound Healing

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Wound Healing

Background:

• Bacterial cellulose (BC) membranes are promising for wound dressings.
• Need for improved antibacterial properties and exudate management in wound care.
• Graphene oxide-silver nanoparticles (GO-Ag) offer potent antimicrobial capabilities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To functionalize BC membranes with GO-Ag nanoparticles.
• To develop advanced skin wound dressings with enhanced antibacterial efficacy.
• To evaluate the performance of BC/GO-Ag composites for wound healing applications.

Main Methods:

• Static fermentation of *Komagataeibacter xylinus* to produce BC membranes.
• Synthesis of GO-Ag sheets via chemical reduction with sodium citrate.
• Functionalization of BC membranes with GO-Ag (BC/GO-Ag).
• Characterization of BC/GO-Ag composites: surface charge, morphology, exudate absorption, antimicrobial activity, and cytotoxicity.
• Antimicrobial testing against *Staphylococcus aureus*, *Escherichia coli*, and *Pseudomonas aeruginosa*.

Main Results:

• BC/GO-Ag dressings demonstrated significant inhibition of bacterial growth, with approximately 70% inhibition of *E. coli*.
• The dressings exhibited excellent exudate absorption, retaining 94% of simulated body fluid after 24 hours.
• BC/GO-Ag composites showed good mechanical flexibility and low cytotoxicity to fibroblast cells.

Conclusions:

• The developed BC/GO-Ag hybrid materials represent effective antimicrobial wound dressings.
• These dressings can manage wound exudate, maintain a moist environment, and promote epithelial cell proliferation.
• The materials show potential for controlling bacterial infections and accelerating the healing of dermal lesions.