Incorporation of Aloe vera extracts into nanocellulose during biosynthesis

• DOI: 10.1007/s10570-015-0844-3
• Publication Date: 2015-12-22T08:56:39Z
• Authors: Joanna F. Godinho; Fernanda V. Berti; Daliana Müller; Carlos R. Rambo; Luismar M. Porto
• Keywords: 0301 basic medicine; 03 medical and health sciences

Bacterial nanocellulose (BC) and Aloe vera composites were synthesized in situ by Gluconacetobacter hansenii using mannitol-based medium supplemented with 60 % (v/v) of three different Aloe vera portions (Aloe vera gel pulp, Aloe vera gel extract and polysaccharide fraction) under static conditions. The chemical interactions, morphology, crystallinity and mechanical properties influenced by aloe supplementation into BC medium were characterized. The interactions between BC and Aloe, characterized by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, revealed the presence of nitrogenous compounds and aliphatic chains into BC–Aloe composites (BCAC). Moreover, Aloe portions reduced the crystallinity and crystallite size of BCAC, as shown by X-ray diffractometry. The Aloe vera compounds deposited onto BC fibers disrupted the hydroxyl interactions, decreasing the Young’s modulus as well as the tensile strength and water uptake of BCAC. However, aloe incorporation of aloe fractions promoted an increase of the extensibility of BCAC (elongation at break), allowing fiber movement. Live/Dead® cell viability assays revealed a strong adhesion between L929 cells and the surface of BC and BCAC. The results indicated that this material could be successfully applied as a biomaterial for several biomedical applications, a scaffold for skin substitution and regeneration, and cell culture substrates.