Development of Biocellulose‐Based Bioactive Membrane Incorporating Piper betle L. Leaf Extract for Applications in Wound Healing Dressing

Abstract

Bacterial cellulose, synthesized by microorganisms, is a nanofibrous material known for its high mechanical strength, excellent water‐retention capacity, and superior biocompatibility, making it a promising candidate for biomedical applications. In this study, BC membranes were incorporated with Type I collagen extracted from fish skin and Piper betle leaf extract (PBLE) to fabricate an antibacterial membrane intended for wound dressing and healing applications. Scanning electron microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, Fourier transform infrared, water vapor transmission rate, and biodegradation testing were used to evaluate physicochemical characteristics of membranes. The results demonstrated that the membranes composed of bacterial cellulose, collagen, and PBLE (BC/Col/PBLE) exhibited good physical properties, an interconnected nanofibrous network, water vapor transmission rates within the optimal range for natural skin, and a biodegradation degree of 65%–70% after 28 days. The BC/Col/PBLE membranes showed strong antibacterial activity against both Gram‐positive and Gram‐negative bacteria while maintaining high biocompatibility with RAW264.7 cells at concentrations up to 5000 ppm. Importantly, these membranes effectively inhibited lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced nitric oxide (NO) production, indicating a pronounced anti‐inflammatory effect. Due to its outstanding moisture‐retention properties, antibacterial and anti‐inflammatory activities, as well as cellular safety, the BC/Col/PBLE membrane system is a promising biomaterial for wound dressing applications.