Multifunctional biopolymer composites comprising mechanically-disintegrated bacterial cellulose, alginate, gelatin and curcumin plasticized with glycerol were successfully fabricated through a simple, facile, cost-effective mechanical blending and casting method. SEM images indicate a well-distributed structure of the composites. The water contact angles existed in the range of 50-70°. Measured water vapor permeability values were 300-800 g/m2/24 h, which were comparable with those of commercial dressing products. No release of curcumin from the films was observed during the immersion in PBS and artificial saliva, and the fluid uptakes were in the range of 100-700%. Films were stretchable and provided appropriate stiffness and enduring deformation. Hydrated films adhered firmly onto the skin. In vitro mucoadhesion time was found in the range of 0.5-6 h with porcine mucosa as model membrane under artificial saliva medium. The curcumin-loaded films had substantial antibacterial activity against E. coli and S. aureus. The films showed non-cytotoxicity to human keratinocytes and human gingival fibroblasts but exhibited potent anticancer activity in oral cancer cells. Therefore, these curcumin-loaded films showed their potential for use as leave-on skin applications. These versatile films can be further developed to achieve desirable characteristics for local topical patches for wound care, periodontitis and oral cancer treatment.
Keywords: alginate; bacterial cellulose; biomaterials; curcumin; gelatin.