Abstract

DEVELOPMENT AND CHARACTERIZATION OF NATURAL RUBBER AND BACTERIAL CELLULOSE-SPONGE COMPOSITES

Eliane Trovatti*, Ticiana S. O. Capote, Raquel M. Scarel-Caminaga, Antonio J. F. Carvalho and Alessandro Gandini

ABSTRACT

Natural rubber (NR) latex and bacterial cellulose (BC) were physically associated in order to prepare porous composites for application in the biomedical field. The porous structure was obtained by the addition of a NaCl solution to the aqueous suspension of NR with BC, followed by oven drying, washing to remove the salt and freeze drying. The composites were characterized by Scanning Electron Microscopy, water contact angle measurements, mechanical and biocompatibility tests. The results showed a good reinforcement of the NR matrix and a high number of pores homogenously distributed within the matrix. The porous structure and the cellulose reinforcement radically changed the character of the starting material, which showed a good water affinity and increased mechanical properties. In addition to the no observed cytotoxicity, the porous composite demonstrated to be a promising combination for application in biomedical fields, such as membrane for wound dressing with improved performance.

Keywords: Natural rubber, bacterial cellulose, porous composite properties, cytotoxicity.