Bacterial cellulose is a smart scaffold for propolis-loaded polymeric nanoparticles with antimicrobial and antifungal properties

HORUE, MANUEL; LADETTO, MARÍA F.; FERNÁNDEZ, MARIELA A.; GAMBARO, ROCÍO C.; RODENAK-KLADNIEW, BORIS; CUESTAS, MARÍA L.; TEJADA, GUILLERMO; ÁLVAREZ, VERA A.; CASTRO, GUILLERMO R.; ISLAN, GERMÁN A.

CELLULOSE (LONDON)

Springer

Año: 2025 vol. 32 p. 4961 - 4985

0969-0239

This study presents a novel nanocomposite biomaterial for topical delivery, integrating bacterial cellulose (BC) matrix with Eudragit® (Eu) polymeric nanoparticles (NPs) as an efficient carrier for a bioactive natural extract with hydrophobic properties. BC was produced biotechnologically from Komagataeibacter xylinus, while a propolis extract, known for its potent pharmacological properties, was encapsulated into anionic (Eu S100) and cationic (Eu E100) polymeric NPs using the nanoprecipitation method. These NPs, with mean sizes of 217.2 ± 1.6 nm and 349.2 ± 3.3 nm as determined by Dynamic Light Scattering, were effectively integrated into BC membranes. Scanning Electron Microscopy images revealed the integration of the NPs with the fibers of BC. The nanocomposite’s structural and thermal properties were characterized using Thermogravimetric Analysis, X-ray Diffraction, and Fourier Transform-Infrared spectroscopy. Distinct release profiles of propolis from the BC membranes were observed under different pH conditions (acetate buffer at pH = 5.0 and PBS at pH = 7.0), highlighting their pH environment-responsive behavior. The material demonstrated significant antimicrobial activity against bacteria (S. aureus and B. cereus) and fungi (C. albicans and A. fumigatus), confirmed through agar diffusion assays. Biocompatibility was validated through hemotoxicity and cytotoxicity assessments using mouse skin fibroblast (L929) cells. This innovative combination of biocompatible BC with bioactive polymeric NPs provides an interesting platform for controlled topical drug delivery, combining the properties of both materials for enhanced pharmacological efficacy in wound healing applications.