Preparation and characterization of bacterial cellulose/hyaluronic acid composites

Bacterial cellulose/hyaluronic acid composites have been prepared by the nontoxic cross-linking agent 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)-carbodiimide. The effects of hyaluronic acid concentration, temperature, and the 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)-carbodiimide addition way on the performance of the composites have been discussed. Field emission scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and thermogravimetric analyzer have been used to characterize the composite materials. The hyaluronic acid contents in the composites have been assayed by a colorimetric method. Hyaluronic acid concentration, the 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)-carbodiimide addition way, and temperature have impacts on the hyaluronic acid content in composites. Fourier transform infrared spectra confirm the amide groups on the composites, which is attributed to hyaluronic acid molecules. The crystallinity indexes of composites decrease, in comparison with pristine bacterial cellulose, known from X-ray diffraction tests, possibly due to the integration of hyaluronic acid. The thermal decomposition temperatures of Composites A and B from Process 1 are lower than those of bacterial cellulose, which is ascribed to lower pyrolysis temperatures of hyaluronic acid compound in composite materials. However, Composites C and D from Process 2 do not undergo descent thermal stability. The novel nanocomposites have the potential to be used for biomedical and tissue engineering scaffold materials.