Preparation and characterization of a Bacterial cellulose/Chitosan composite for potential biomedical application

Bacterial cellulose (BC)/Chitosan (Ch) composite has been successfully prepared by immersing wet BC pellicle in Ch solution followed by freeze-drying process. The morphology of BC/Ch composite was examined by scanning electron microscope (SEM) and compared with pristine BC. SEM images show that Ch molecules can penetrate into BC forming three-dimensional multilayered scaffold. The scaffold has very well interconnected porous network structure and large aspect surface. The composite was also characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectrum, X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis and tensile test. By incorporation of Ch into BC, crystallinity tends to decrease from 82% to 61%, and the thermal stability increases from 263 °C to 296 °C. At the same time, the mechanical properties of BC/Ch composite are maintained at certain levels between BC and Ch. The biocompatibility of composite was preliminarily evaluated by cell adhesion studies. The cells incubated with BC/Ch scaffolds for 48 h were capable of forming cell adhesion and proliferation. It showed much better biocompatibility than pure BC. Since the prepared BC/Ch scaffolds are bioactive and suitable for cell adhesion, these scaffolds can be used for wound dressing or tissue-engineering scaffolds.