Background::Bacterial nanocellulose (BNC) is typically produced through fermentation
using Hestrin Schramm (HS) médium. However, its high cost limits its use in industry. Moreover,
curcumin, as a model substance, is a potential bioactive compound but has low bioavailability. This
also limits its use for clinical application. Thus, a delivery system using more affordable production
of BNC was develop to improve the lack property of curcumin, focusing on topical route.
Objective::This study aims to determine the best substrate component according to yield value and
evaluate the physical properties as well as the permeation capability of BNC as a delivery matrix
system for curcumin.
Methods::The optimization of Gluconacetobacter xylinus culture media to produce BNC was conducted
using 6 variation substrates consisting of Palmyra sap (PS) and tofu pulp with certain concentrations.
Following a nine-day period, the yield of BNC was calculated. The selected BNCs were
then impregnated with curcumin-DMSO and curcumin in the form of nanoemulsion (curcumin-
NE). Subsequently, the BNCs containing these curcumin forms were characterized. In vitro testing
of curcumin reléased from BNC was conducted using Franz difusión cells. In addition, the penetration
ability of curcumin across the mice skin was observed using confocal microscopy. In vivo testing
was also conducted to ascertain the safety of BNC-loaded curcumin on mice skin.
Results::PS-TP substrate (100:0, S-6) was the most appropriate substrate for BNC production, yielding
118.5±0.09 g/L. CR-DMSO and CR-NE were successfully impregnated into BNC. Confocal data
showed that both formulations were able to penétrate the dermis layer. There was no significant
difference was observed between the administration of BNC/CR-DMSO and BNC/CR-NE against
the control.
Conclusion::BNC successfully produced using palmyra sap shows promising biomembrane for topical
delivery of curcumin. No evidence inflammation or neovascularization in BNC/CR-DMSO- and
BNC/CR-NE-treated mice confirms the safety use of this biomembrane.