Preparation and characterisation of nanofibres from bio cellulose and neem-AgNP bio composites for wound healing

Bacterial cellulose (BC) is secreted by a few strains of bacteria and consists of a cellulose nanofibre network with unique characteristics. In this study, Gluconoacetobacter xylinus was used to isolate bacterial cellulose. Moreover, microbial cellulose has proven to be a remarkably versatile biomaterial and can be used in paper industry, electronics, wound healing and biomedical devices. The cellulose isolated from G. xylinus was confirmed by the biochemical tests. The parameters for the production of cellulose such as pH, temperature, carbon source, nitrogen source, and growth factor both static and shaking conditions were optimised. The cellulose obtained was observed by phase contrast microscope. The isolated bacterial cellulose is impregnated with silver nanoparticles synthesised by neem leaves extract. The bio cellulose and neem AgNPs were converted into nanofibres by electrospinning technique. The cellulose-PVA composite was analysed by SEM, zeta potential and Fourier transforms infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). This approach can be easily used in the large scale production of bio cellulose fibres loaded with silver nanoparticles. These fibres can be used in the wound dressing including use as a biomaterial for scaffolds in tissue engineering.