Synthesis and Characterization of Bacterial Cellulose-Curcumin-Ag-Se Nanocomposites having Antioxidant and Antibacterial properties for Skin Healing Applications

Bacterial Cellulose is a polymer synthesised by some strains of bacteria thus perceived as environmentally friendly. Bacterial Cellulose (BC) was subjected to three different drying procedures; Freeze Drying, Blot drying and Oven drying. Studies on its water holding capacity, thermogravimetric analysis and mechanical strength revealed that Freeze drying was the best method for retaining its pore size and water holding capacity. Silver selenium nanoparticles complexed with Curcumin (Cur-AgSeNPs) were loaded on BC and characterised by FESEM, EDX, FTIR and XRD. The ultrastructure of the BC nanocomposite revealed a three-dimensional network of interwoven cellulose microfibrils with the nanoparticle complex adsorbed onto the surface as well as embedded within the porous structure of the membrane. Antimicrobial analysis of the BCnanocomposite showed bactericidal activity against P. aeruginosa (MTCC 741), E. coli (MTCC 2574) and S. aureus (MTCC 737) cultures. 0.5 mM Cur-AgSeNPs loaded BC film showed a Radical Scavenging Activity of 63.92 +/- 0.76 % by ABTS assay and a cell viability of 75 % after 4 days for L929 fibroblast cells. Haemocompatibility test of the films showed <10 % haemolysis of RBCs indicating their haemocompatible nature. These results suggest that the BCnanocomposite film would open up the possibility for use as an ideal skin healing material.