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Plasma-treated bacterial nanocellulose-lignin composites for biomedical applications
Cátia Alves1, Liliana Melro1, Marta Fernandes1
1Centre for Textile Science and Technology (2C2T), University of Minho, Campus de Azurém, 4800-058, Guimarães, Portugal.
International Journal of Biological Macromolecules
|December 11, 2025
Summary
This study enhanced bacterial nanocellulose (BC) for bioimplants by using dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma and additives. The modified BC shows improved biocompatibility, antibacterial properties, and mechanical strength for biomedical uses.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Surface Chemistry
- Materials Engineering
Background:
- Bacterial nanocellulose (BC) shows promise as a bioimplant material but has limitations including poor bioactivity and mechanical properties.
- Tailoring surface characteristics like hydrophilicity and rugosity is crucial for enhancing BC's biomedical performance.
- Existing BC modifications often fail to address antimicrobial activity, cytocompatibility, and inflammatory response simultaneously.
Purpose of the Study:
- To enhance the biomedical potential of bacterial nanocellulose (BC) by improving its bioactivity, mechanical properties, and antimicrobial efficacy.
- To investigate the effects of dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma treatment and functionalization with Kraft lignin (KL) and glycerin (GLY) on BC.
- To develop a multifunctional BC-based biomaterial suitable for various biomedical applications.
Main Methods:
- BC surface modification using dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma at varying dosages (5, 10, 15 kW/min/m²).
- Functionalization of untreated and DBD-treated BC with Kraft lignin (KL) and/or glycerin (GLY) (3 wt%).
- Comprehensive analysis of morphological (AFM, SEM), chemical, mechanical (tensile strength, Young's modulus), and biological (cytocompatibility, antibacterial, antioxidant) properties.
Main Results:
- DBD plasma treatment enhanced fibroblast metabolic activity and increased surface roughness, indicating improved biocompatibility.
- KL/GLY functionalization, particularly in dried composites, improved antibacterial activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa by 76%.
- Antioxidant properties were imparted by KL, with up to 50% DPPH radical inhibition in dried plasma-post-treated systems. Mechanical properties were enhanced, with increased flexibility and tensile strength up to 105 MPa.
Conclusions:
- DBD plasma-assisted functionalization of BC with KL/GLY significantly improves implant biocompatibility and antibacterial efficacy.
- The developed multifunctional BC biomaterial exhibits enhanced antioxidant potential and mechanical strength.
- This approach highlights a promising strategy for creating advanced BC-based biomaterials for diverse biomedical applications.
