Reduction in Pathogenic Biofilms by the Photoactive Composite of Bacterial Cellulose and Nanochitosan Dots under Blue and Green Light

Danica Z Zmejkoski; Nemanja M Zdravković; Milica D Budimir Filimonović; Vladimir B Pavlović; Svetlana V Butulija; Dušan D Milivojević; Zoran M Marković; Biljana M Todorović Marković

doi:10.3390/jfb15030072

Reduction in Pathogenic Biofilms by the Photoactive Composite of Bacterial Cellulose and Nanochitosan Dots under Blue and Green Light

J Funct Biomater. 2024 Mar 14;15(3):72. doi: 10.3390/jfb15030072.

Authors

Danica Z Zmejkoski¹, Nemanja M Zdravković², Milica D Budimir Filimonović¹, Vladimir B Pavlović³, Svetlana V Butulija¹, Dušan D Milivojević¹, Zoran M Marković¹, Biljana M Todorović Marković¹

Affiliations

¹ Vinča Institute of Nuclear Sciences, National Institute of the Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, 11001 Belgrade, Serbia.
² Scientific Institute for Veterinary Medicine of Serbia, Janisa Janulisa 14, 11107 Belgrade, Serbia.
³ Faculty of Agriculture, University of Belgrade, Nemanjina 6, 11080 Belgrade, Serbia.

Abstract

In this study, nanochitosan dots (ChiDs) were synthesized using gamma rays and encapsulated in bacterial cellulose (BC) polymer matrix for antibiofilm potential in photodynamic therapy. The composites were analyzed for structural changes using SEM, AFM, FTIR, XRD, EPR, and porosity measurements. Additionally, ChiD release was assessed. The results showed that the chemical composition remained unaltered, but ChiD agglomerates embedded in BC changed shape (1.5-2.5 µm). Bacterial cellulose fibers became deformed and interconnected, with increased surface roughness and porosity and decreased crystallinity. No singlet oxygen formation was observed, and the total amount of released ChiD was up to 16.10%. Antibiofilm activity was higher under green light, with reductions ranging from 48 to 57% under blue light and 78 to 85% under green light. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus was the most sensitive strain. The new photoactive composite hydrogels show promising potential for combating biofilm-related infections.

Keywords: antibiofilm; bacterial cellulose; blue light and green light; chitosan nanoparticles; nanocomposite hydrogels; photoactive therapy.

Abstract

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