Interaction of silver sulfadiazine with bacterial cellulose via ex-situ modification method as an alternative diabetic wound healing

The conventional silver dressing raises growing concerns amongst clinicians that this dressing could lead to increased morbidity and prolonged treatment period relating to uncontrolled wound bioburden. Bacterial cellulose (BC) is a good candidate of alternative treatment method for wound healing but it lacks of antimicrobial activity. Hence, this research was aimed to enhance the efficiency of wound healing by incorporating silver sulfadiazine (SSD) to the BC. BC pellicles was produced through static fermentation process in Hestrin Schramn medium. The BC-SSD membranes was prepared through ex-situ modification method by immersing BC pellicles in various concentration of SSD solution (0.2-1.0 %v/w) for 24 h. The properties of BC-SSD produced was characterized by SEM, FTIR, tensile strength, swelling test, release kinetic and antimicrobial activity. The presence of silver in the BC-SSD membrane was confirmed by the presence of sulfonamide, a basic structure of silver sulfadiazinee from the peaks obtained in FTIR spectrum. In addition, the tensile strength of the BC-SSD membranes increase proportionately with SSD concentration incorporated to the BC. The BC also have the capability of absorbing alkaline better compared to the acidic absorption. The release kinetic study shows that silver ions were efficiently released in 24 h and gradually reduced for the next 72 h. Ultimately, the BC-SSD had pronounced antibacterial activity against Escherichia coil and Pseudomonas eruginosa, the most commonly bacteria found in diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) which suggest its capability as alternative wound dressing for DFU.