Biotechnological Utilization of Amazonian Fruit: Development of Active Nanocomposites from Bacterial Cellulose and Silver Nanoparticles Based on Astrocaryum aculeatum (Tucumã) Extract

Author(s)

dos Santos, Sidney S. ; Cerqueira, Miguel Angelo ; Azevedo, Ana Gabriela ; Pastrana, Lorenzo M. ; Aouada, Fauze Ahmad ; Tanaka, Fabricio C. ; Perotti, Gustavo Frigi ; de Moura, Marcia Regina

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: PHARMACEUTICALS; v. 18, n. 6, p. 17-pg., 2025-05-26.

Abstract

Background/Objectives: The rise of bacterial resistance and the search for alternative, biocompatible antimicrobial materials have driven interest in natural-based nanocomposites. In this context, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have shown broad-spectrum antibacterial activity, and bacterial cellulose (BC) is widely recognized for its high purity, hydrophilicity, and biocompatibility. This study aimed to develop a bio-based BC-AgNP nanocomposite via green synthesis using Astrocaryum aculeatum (tucum & atilde;) extract and assess its antimicrobial performance for wound dressing applications. Methods: BC was biosynthesized via green tea fermentation (20 g/L tea and 100 g/L sugar) and purified prior to use. AgNPs were obtained by reacting aqueous tucum & atilde; extract with silver nitrate (0.1 mmol/L) at pH (9) and temperature (40 degrees C). BC membranes were immersed in the AgNPs dispersion for 7 days to form the nanocomposite. Characterization was performed using UV-Vis, DLS, TEM, SEM-EDS, FTIR, XRD, ICP-OES, and swelling analysis. Antibacterial activity was evaluated using the disk diffusion method against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli (ATCC 6538 and 4388). Results: The UV-Vis spectra revealed a gradual decrease in the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) band over 7 days of incubation with BC, indicating progressive incorporation of AgNPs into the membrane. ICP analysis confirmed silver incorporation in the BC membrane at 0.00215 mg/mL, corresponding to 15.5% of the initial silver content. Antimicrobial assays showed inhibition zones of 6.5 +/- 0.5 mm for S. aureus and 4.3 +/- 0.3 mm for E. coli. Conclusions: These findings validate the successful formation and antimicrobial performance of the BC-AgNP nanocomposite, supporting its potential use in wound care applications. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 13/03643-0 - Study of novel biodegradable carrier vehicles of fertilizers and agricultural defensives based on hydrogel and nanostructure silicates as an alternative in the combat of environmental impacts
• Grantee: Fauze Ahmad Aouada
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• FAPESP's process: 13/07296-2 - CDMF - Center for the Development of Functional Materials
• Grantee: Elson Longo da Silva
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Research, Innovation and Dissemination Centers - RIDC
• FAPESP's process: 18/18697-1 - Development of novel magnetic nanocomposites based on hydrogel for evaluation as carrier vehicle of drugs and agricultural inputs
• Grantee: Fauze Ahmad Aouada
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants