Preparation and characterization of a novel bacterial cellulose/chitosan bio-hydrogel

Abstract

Composites of chitosan chloride and bacterial cellulose were successfully prepared by in situ method. Composites of bacterial cellulose/chitosan and pristine bacterial cellulose were investigated by means of scanning electron microscope, atomic force microscope, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, X-ray diffraction, and bacteriostatic test. The crystallization of bacterial cellulose was interfered and weakened by the chitosan chloride included in the growth media, resulting in lower crystallinity index and thermal stability. And interaction between two polymers is verified by the thermal gravimetric analysis. The ultrafine nanofibril network structure of bacterial cellulose was retained by the composites, while the diameters were larger and the aperture inside were smaller than those of pristine bacterial cellulose, as shown through scanning electron microscope and atomic force microscope figures. The antimicrobial effects were enhanced by the increasing concentration of chitosan in composites. All the characteristics of the composites provide evidence for the miscibility of chitosan and cellulose. Their biocompatibility is proved through our published data. It is strongly indicated that bacterial cellulose–chitosan nanocomposites have great potential in tissue engineering or pharmaceutical applications in the near future.