Characterization of bilayer bacterial cellulose membranes with different fiber densities: a promising system for controlled release of the antibiotic ceftriaxone

This work describes the synthesis of bilayer bacterial cellulose membranes (BCs) produced by Gluconacetobacter hansenii ATCC 23769 in culture media with different carbon sources (sugarcane molasses, syrup and fructose) as well as their retention capacity and sustained release of the antibacterial agent ceftriaxone. Scanning electronic microscopy analysis showed that BCs produced in all culture media exhibit a double layer and three-dimensional fiber network obtained in only one step. Elemental and thermogravimetric analyses, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction show that the BC membranes are composed of pure cellulose. In particular, the BC produced in sugarcane molasses medium presented a three-dimensional network structure of the bilayer with high-density fiber entangling, which was responsible for the largest holding capacity and sustained release of the antibiotic ceftriaxone in relation to Staphylococcus aureus bacterial strains. This behavior shows the potential of applying such BC membranes in wound dressings as a sustained support to release different antibiotics to treat skin infections.