Functionalization of bacterial cellulose with antibiotics for use as awound dressing

Background: Presently, bacterial cellulose (BC) represents a promising biomaterial for biomedical applications, due to its exceptional properties. The capacity of BC to absorb and retain water, facilitating gas exchange, as well as its ability to serve as a scaffold for antimicrobial agents, makes it an optimal material for wound dressing that promotes healing and prevents infection. Objective: The objective of the research was to obtain and study BC composites containing antibiotics with controlled release and significant antibacterial activity for potential use as wound dressings. Methods: BC films were obtained by static co-fermentation of Komagataeibacter xylinus MS2530 strains with Pichia fermentans MDC 10169 on brewing waste (brewer’s spent yeast (BSY)). The preparation of BC/antibiotic composites was achieved by immersing dry films in ceftriaxone and tetracycline solutions for 24 h in a sterile environment. The composites' morphology was analyzed by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) to evaluate their chemical structure and compatibility with ceftriaxone and tetracycline. The loading efficiency and release profile of ceftriaxone and tetracycline antibiotics were evaluated using a spectrophotometric method. The antimicrobial activity of BC composites was determined using test cultures Еscherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Results: The process of co-fermentation using the BSY medium made it possible to produce BC films at a low cost. Based on BC films, BC/antibiotic composites with controlled release and significant antibacterial activity were obtained, which is a novelty of this study. Conclusion: The co-fermentation of K. xylinus MS2530 and P. fermentans MDC 10169 on BSY medium simultaneously increase the BC yield and reduce fermentation time, leading to a substantial reduction in production costs. BC composites obtained by modifying BC films with antibiotics, exhibit significant antibacterial activity against E. coli and S. aureus. Therefore, the BC composites obtained have a possible potential for application as dressings for wound surface treatment. Keywords: BC composite, tetracycline, ceftriaxone, controlled release, alternative wound dressing