Novel papain and bacterial cellulose/alginate biocomposites for bioactive wound dressing

The potential of bacterial cellulose membranes in the biomedical field as a wound dressing agent including contributing to chronic wound infections. The occurrence of antibiotic resistance mechanisms that protect bacteria, this is a problem that needs to be considered in the wound healing process. To accelerate the wound healing process and avoid infection, it is necessary to choose the right wound dressing material. In this study, alginate biopolymers and papain enzymes immobilized on BC pellicle to protect wounds from infection by several bacteria were investigated. The purpose of this study was to obtain a BC composite that has the potential as antibacterial wound dressing. Antibacterial activity, biodegradability, and hemocompatibility were assessed. The 8 papain concentration showed the strongest antibacterial effect against S. aureus (5.9 ± 5.05 mm) and E. coli (6.4 ± 6.27 mm). All composites exhibited high biodegradability (94–97 weight loss). The 6 and 8 papain concentrations were hemocompatible, with low hemolysis rates (<2). These results suggest that BC/AG/Papain composites have the potential as effective antibacterial wound dressings. © 2024 Japan Society for Composite Materials, Korean Society for Composite Materials and Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.