Antibacterial and Biocompatible Penicillin–Streptomycin Loaded Bacterial Cellulose (BC) Hydrogels for Wound Healing

Bacterial cellulose (BC) hydrogel is a promising skin wound healing biomaterial due to its unique properties, including a moist environment that facilitates tissue healing. To enhance its antimicrobial efficacy, BC dressings were loaded with penicillin and streptomycin. FT-IR analysis confirmed successful drug binding, while SEM revealed a nanofibrous and porous hydrogel structure. In vitro studies using 3T3 mouse fibroblasts demonstrated biocompatibility, and scratch wound assays achieved complete closure across all tested concentrations. Antibacterial activity, assessed via agar diffusion against <i>Pseudomonas aeruginosa</i> and <i>Staphylococcus aureus</i>, showed a concentration-dependent increase in inhibition zones, highlighting the potential of BC-Pen/Strep hydrogels as effective antimicrobial wound dressings.