Banca de QUALIFICAÇÃO: JULIA DIDIER PEDROSA DE AMORIM

SYNTHESIS OF BACTERIAL CELLULOSE FOR USE IN BIOMEDICINE AS TRANSDERMAL DRESSING

ecofriendly; biotechnology; drug carriers; drug delivery; pharmacology.

Bacterial cellulose (BC) is composed of nanofibers that are extracellularly secreted by certain bacterial genera, such as Komogataeibacter hansenii. Its unique nanofibrillar structure provides excellent physical and mechanical properties, such as high porosity, high elastic modulus, and high crystallinity, making it one of the most promising biomaterials today. BC has a wide range of biomedical applications, thanks to nanotechnology. Nanocellulose-based biomaterials exhibit properties similar to those of natural tissues, where aqueous suspensions with controlled concentrations of cellulose nanocrystals can be formed as hydrogels, which can be used as a support to create an appropriate environment with favorable properties for cell differentiation and growth. The possibility of directly controlling the biosynthesis process, as well as its biocompatibility and water retention rate, allows the use of BC membranes in chronic wound healing and burn processes. BC was produced in green tea medium for 96 hours to obtain transparent films. The lidocaine hydrochloride drug was incorporated into the cellulose matrix via ex situ. The membrane's behavior regarding its use as a wound dressing, sterilization by gamma radiation from the 60Co source, and disposal were analyzed. It is expected to demonstrate, through an innovative process, the use of microbial cellulose as a drug delivery wound dressing system. X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), porosity, Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), mechanical resistance, morphological analysis of the biopolymer by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), water analysis, and its composition by Fourier- Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) were performed. The resulting transdermal dressing can be applied for various purposes, with environmental consciousness and public concern for sustainability.