Characterization and antibacterial activity of bacterial cellulose impregnated with Moringa oleifera leaf extract and silver nanoparticles.

Bacterial cellulose (BC) is a safe, flexible and biocompatible polymer that is suitable as a delivery mechanism for Moringa oleifera leaf extract and silver nanoparticles which have antibacterial and wound healing properties. In this study, BC impregnated with Moringa oleifera leaf extract and/or silver nanoparticles was characterized using the Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction spectroscopy (XRD) and field emission scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and mapping (FESEM-EDX-Mapping). The antibacterial activity of the impregnated BC was also evaluated using disc diffusion method. Based on the obtained results, impregnation of Moringa oleifera leaf extract and silver nanoparticles apparently improved crystallinity of BC. The presence of both formulants in BC could also be detected through FTIR and FESEM-EDX-Mapping. The antibacterial activity of Moringa oleifera and silver nanoparticles impregnated BC against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, however, varies depending on its formulation. Briefly, the impregnated BC has potential to be applied as antibacterial dressing, but more intensive studies need to be conducted in future to confirm its effectiveness and safety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]