Abstract
The paper focuses on the development of composite materials based on bacterial cellulose and poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBHV). Natural composites were obtained from bacterial cellulose membranes and chloroform copolyester solutions (various mass ratios). The composite membranes were characterized by FT-IR spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, SEM morphology, contact angle measurements and thermogravimetric analysis. Cellulose nanofibrils coating and/or precipitation with PHBHV particles was observed. The biocompatibility of composite materials was assessed by using L929 mouse fibroblast cells monolayers. Possible applications of these composite materials are focused on blood vessel engineering and/or wound dressing management. Keywords: bacterial cellulose, polyhydroxyalkanoates, composites, tissue engineering