Title
Study on the drug loading and release potential of bacterial cellulose
Authors
BHAVANA V. MOHITE RAHUL K. SURYAWANSHI and SATISH V. PATIL

Received March 10, 2014
Published Volume 50 Issue 2 February
Keywords biomaterial, biocompatible, antimicrobial activity, swelling ratio, drug loading potential

Abstract
Bacterial cellulose (BC) is known for its unique characteristic properties, which make it a versatile biomaterial for application in various domains. Benzalconium chloride, which is widely used as antimicrobial drug in wound dressing, was used to test the drug loading and release potential of BC. The drug loading ability increased with an increase in drug concentration. The BC gradually released up to 90% of the drug within 24 h. The antibacterial activity of drug loaded BC was tested against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. The non-toxic biocompatible nature of BC was confirmed by an MTT assay on human PBMCs with 90% cell viability, which allows its application as a regenerative biomaterial. The liquid absorbing capacity and release rate were calculated as swelling ratio and water release rate, and the results supported its anticipated use as antimicrobial wound dressing material. Thus, BC was demonstrated as a promising candidate for application as modern wound dressing material due to its drug loading and release potential.