BC-Aloe vera

Although BC and aloe vera have been applied in many fields, the BC-aloe vera composite has rarely been investigated. Saibuatong and Phisalaphong [26] have characterized the biosynthesis of... 

The BC-aloe vera composite synthesized with 5-30% (v/v) of aloe vera gel displayed a quite homogeneous and uniform structure in which aloe vera was well incorporated within BC fibrils (Fig. 14.5). However, a higher volume ratio of aioe vera (e.g., 50% v/v) created a less uniform network structure and led to excessive gel on the film surface. The increase of aloe vera gel... 

Figure 14.5 SEM images of re-swollen Aims of BC (a) and BC-aloe vera prepared by addition of 30% v/v aloe vera gel in the culture medium (b).

Because of the high hydrophilicity of aloe vera, the swelling and WAC of the BC-aloe vera composite film was increased. However, the trend of the WAC was similar to that of the mechanical strength. The optimal content of aloe vera gel was determined to be 30% (v/v) [26]. 

The BC-aloe vera composite improved BC characteristics, such as high mechanical strength, high WAC, and high WVTR, for use in tissue engineering and other biomedical applications. The evaluation of the composite film as a material for tissue engineering is currently being studied [26]. 

Chemical structure -Intermolecular interaction between hydroxyl group of BC and amino group of aloe vera [26]... 

Morphology -Well incorporation and uniform structure (0-30% v/v aloe vera) [26] -Less uniform with excessive gel on BC film (> 50% v/v aloe vera) [26]... 

The intermolecular interaction between the carbonyl group of BC and the amino group of aloe vera was evidenced by the presence of two new peaks (1574 and 1542 cm ] in the FTIR spectra. For the supplement of 30-50% (v/v) aloe vera, the gel could adhere and form intermolecular bonds to BC fibrils [26]. 

A novel biopolymeric nanocomposite film of BC and Aloe vera gel was developed by means of adding A. vera gel in the culture medium in the course of biosynthesis in static conditions [142]. With a 30% v/v A. vera gel supplementation, a nanocomposite film with significantly improved mechanical strength, crystallinity, water absorption capacity and water vapor permeability, in comparison with neat BC, was achieved. Taken into account this properties and the intrinsic biocompatibility of both BC and A. vera gel, a wide range biomedical applications could be perceived for this material. 

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