In Vitro Degradation of PHB/Bacterial Cellulose Biocomposite Scaffolds. (6th October 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Râpă, Maria; Zaharia, Cătălin; Stănescu, Paul Octavian; Cășărică, Angela; Matei, Ecaterina; Predescu, Andra Mihaela; Pantilimon, Mircea Cristian; Vidu, Ruxandra; Predescu, Cristian; Cioflan, Horia
• Other Names: Acierno Domenico Academic Editor.
• Is Part Of: International journal of polymer science. Volume 2021(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-10-06
• Subjects: Polymers -- Periodicals; Polymers; Periodicals; 547.7
• DOI: 10.1155/2021/3820364
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1687-9422

Abstract

Abstract : The present work reported the preparation of biocomposites based on poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB), plasticizer, and bacterial cellulose (BC) by melt processing and their testing by means of thermal properties (DSC), water absorption, and in vitro degradation. The surface of the biocomposites was analyzed via atomic force microscopy (AFM). In vitro degradation of the biocomposites was evaluated by weight loss and thermal properties (DSC) assessment after the immersion of the specimens in phosphate-buffered saline solution (PBS of pH 7.4) over 20 days. The results showed that the BC can reduce the PHB crystallinity and promote its degradation under PBS medium. Moreover, it was found that the water absorption increased as the percentage of BC increased.