Bacterial Cellulose Membranes Enriched With Bioactive Compounds From Avocado Seeds

Abstract

Lately, biologically active materials are an extensive topic of research and the employment of bacterial cellulose membranes (BCMs) as carriers has proven to be one of the more interesting applications, especially in the biomedical, cosmetic, food, and pharmaceutical fields. However, bacterial cellulose itself is not antibacterially effective, which is one of the most desired property. To increase its applicability, BCMs can be modified or enriched with biologically active compounds. While humanity is striving for an extensive strategy for the transition to circular economy, the food wastes present a sustainable and renewable source that can be processed into value-added products. The production of BCMs by cultivation of Komagataeibacter hansenii was carried out. BCMs were further enriched with bioactive compounds obtained from avocado seeds using ethanol as a solvent. The developed BCMs have shown great potential with their antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus for further applications in biomedicine, cosmetic, food, and pharmaceutical industries.