Bacterial cellulose/hyaluronic acid composite hydrogels with improved viscoelastic properties and good thermodynamic stability

Improved viscoelastic composite hydrogels were successfully prepared from bacterial cellulose and hyaluronic acid by physical gelling. The composite hydrogels were characterised by Scanning electron microscope, Fourier transform infrared spectroscope, and X-ray diffraction. The thermodynamic and rheological properties of the gels were tested, and their thermodynamic stability and viscoelasticity were evaluated. The viscoelasticity of the composite hydrogels was improved because of the integration of BC nanofibrils. The material was able to be dried to avoid contamination and facilitate transportation. The rehydrated composite hydrogels maintained a high transmittance. The high porosity and high transmittance make these gels potential corneal tissue engineering scaffolds.