Curativos antissépticos à base de nanocelulose bacteriana funcionalizada com clorexidina e iodopolividona

Abstract

Wound healing still represents a major clinical challenge, especially when infections are present. In this context, there is increasing demand for bioactive dressings capable of maintaining a moist environment and exerting effective antimicrobial activity without compromising biocompatibility. Bacterial Nanocellulose (BNC) has emerged as a promising biomaterial due to its three-dimensional structure, high water absorption capacity, and excellent interaction with biological tissues. However, its lack of intrinsic antimicrobial activity requires functionalization strategies with antiseptic agents. In this study, BNC membranes were produced and functionalized with Chlorhexidine digluconate (CHX) and Povidone-iodine (PVP-I), two antiseptics widely used in clinical practice. The formulations were evaluated in terms of physical, structural, and microbiological properties. The membranes were morphologically characterized (SEM), structurally analyzed (FTIR), and assessed for water-related properties and antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The analyses revealed a preserved fibrillar morphology after functionalization, with a moderate reduction in water holding capacity (WHC) ranging from 10 to 135 times the dry weight and an average water content above 91%. Microbiological tests showed significant inhibition zones for both CHX and PVP-I, with CHX demonstrating superior efficacy. Statistical analysis confirmed low variability (CV = 2.84%) and data normality, supporting the validity of the results. The findings, combined with clinical evidence and recent meta-analyses, reinforce the potential of BNC-based functionalized membranes as promising bioactive platforms for the development of next-generation antimicrobial wound dressings.