The effect of temperature and reaction time on the physicochemical properties of oxidized bacterial cellulose membranes for hemostatic dressings

Abstract

The development of an oxidized bacterial cellulose membrane (OBC) for hemostasis application is essential for preventing death from excessive bleeding. In previous research, OBC membranes were fabricated by using many different oxidation systems, notably the HNO₃/H₃PO₄-NaNO₂ system. In this study, the effects of oxidation conditions, such as temperature and reaction time, on the structure and physicochemical properties of OBC for hemostasis dressings oxidized by a mixture of HNO₃/H₃PO₄-NaNO₂ were investigated. The morphology of the OBC membranes was observed using a scanning electron microscope. Chemical modification was confirmed using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and carboxyl content analysis. The mechanical properties of the OBC membranes before and after oxidation were also evaluated by tensile testing. The results revealed an increase in the carboxyl content and a decrease in the mechanical properties of the OBC membranes with increasing temperature and reaction time. The results indicate that under the temperature and time conditions of the survey, the OBC membrane oxidized at 40 °C for 6 hours had a relatively high carboxyl content of 16.18% (suitable for hemostasis dressing) while maintaining sufficient mechanical strength for wound dressing application.