Polímeros: Ciência e Tecnologia
https://www.revistapolimeros.org.br/article/doi/10.1590/0104-1428.20250087
Polímeros: Ciência e Tecnologia
Original Article

Bacterial cellulose synthesized in Erythrina mulungu extract: structural and bioactive properties

Girlaine Santos da Silva; Mariana Alves Henrique; Severino Alves Júnior; Glória Maria Vinhas

http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/0104-1428.20250087 Polímeros: Ciência e Tecnologia, vol.36, n3, e20260028, 2026
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Abstract

Bacterial cellulose is a biopolymer valued for its purity, biocompatibility, and versatility, but its production typically depends on synthetic media, limiting sustainability and hindering the incorporation of functional compounds during biosynthesis. The effects of plant-derived extracts on the physicochemical and biological properties of bacterial cellulose remain poorly understood. This study evaluates the use of an aqueous extract of Erythrina mulungu as an alternative culture medium capable of producing and functionalizing bacterial cellulose simultaneously. Over 20 days, hydrated membranes were obtained with an average productivity of 186.41 g/L. Infrared spectroscopy confirmed characteristic cellulose functional groups, while X‑ray diffraction revealed reduced crystallinity in mulungu‑derived membranes (46%) compared to saline‑derived membranes (72%). Antimicrobial assays showed inhibition of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Antioxidant activity reached 14.70% for the extract, 10.14% for mulungu‑derived cellulose, and 1.50% for saline‑derived cellulose. The extract enhanced functional properties, supporting applications requiring antimicrobial and antioxidant performance.

 

 

Keywords

biopolymer membranes, natural culture medium, phenolic compounds, antioxidant activity, antimicrobial properties

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