In-situ fabrication of Quercus Infectoria-loaded bacterial cellulose-collagen composite for potential wound dressing materials

Abstract

This study investigates the fabrication of bacterial cellulose (BC)-collagen hydrolysate (CH) composite films with Quercus infectoria (QI) extract for potential wound dressing applications. The prepared materials were characterized for their morphology, swelling ratio, mechanical strength and antibacterial activity and cytocompatibility. The addition of CH (2 % w/v) significantly enhanced BC production (8.15 ± 0.39 g/L dry weight), improving mechanical strength, such as tensile strength (46.3 MPa), elongation at break (35.1 %), and swelling ratio (2515 % ± 75 %), compared to the control. FTIR analysis confirmed the successful incorporation of CH and QI into the BC matrix, with shifts in amide bands and the appearance of new peaks indicating QI integration. SEM images also showed that CH and QI made BC's fibrous structure denser and less porous. Although QI slightly reduced mechanical strength, it markedly improved antibacterial activity against S. aureus and E. coli. Human adipose-derived stem cells (hADSC) assays showed enhanced viability in BC/CH2% and BC/CH2%/QI1% composites with no significant cytotoxic effects after 24 h. Fluorescent staining confirmed hADSC survival and proliferation. These findings suggest that the BC/CH/QI composites provide a favorable microenvironment for tissue regeneration and hold strong potential for skin wound healing. Further physicochemical analyses including QI release kinetics and surface area measurements are recommended to better understand the relationship between structure and bioactivity. In vivo studies will also be essential to fully evaluate their therapeutic potential and support clinical translation.