Development and characterization of a biocompatible aerogel composed of kombucha bacterial cellulose, Cu Zn nanoparticles, and polypyrrole nanocomposites

This present study aims at synthesis and characterization of an electroactive biocompatible aerogel of novel composition made up of bacterial cellulose (BC) derived from kombucha, copper oxide (CuO), zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles (partially aggregated at the microscale), and polypyrrole (PPy). The BC/CuO/ZnO/PPy hybrid was synthesized to enhance antibacterial activity, mechanical strength, and electrical conductivity for application in next-generation wound healing. Structural integration of the additives was confirmed by FTIR and XRD and FESEM revealed a porous nanofibrous BC structure (fiber diameter 34 ± 5 nm, pore diameter 80 ± 20 nm), with CuO and ZnO nanoparticles incorporated but exhibiting partial agglomeration on the cellulose surface, maintaining high water absorption (2175 % swelling capacity), which is comparable to that of the pure BC sample and supports its suitability for wound dressing applications. The BC/CuO/ZnO/PPy composite exhibited strong antibacterial activity with inhibition zones of 16 ± 1 mm against S. aureus and 11 ± 1 mm to E. coli . In addition, it had good surface properties (43.5° water contact angle), good electrical conductivity (2.2 × 10 −2 S/cm), and superior cytocompatibility with >90 % fibroblast cell viability. • Cu Zn nanoparticles enhance the antibacterial activity of bacterial cellulose aerogels. • Mechanical stability and electrical conductivity are improved with polypyrrole. • Excellent wound healing biocompatibility is achieved by high fibroblast cell viability. • Balanced hydrophilicity enhances advanced wound dressing for better retention of moisture. • Multifunctional aerogel is antibacterial, conductive, and stable.