Abstract
In order to improve healthcare of injured people, deacetylated acemannan extracted from Aloe vera leaves, having high inhibitory properties, was used as an antimicrobial finish on traditional cotton items. Response surface methodology was employed to define quadratic relationships between the polysaccharide grafting degree and the treatment process properties. An optimized modification process, offering the highest funtionalization degree, is obtained. The cellulosic fiber morphology and roughness modifications induced by polymer grafting are revealed using Atomic Force Microscopy and Scanning Electron Microscopy. Infra Red spectroscopy was used to confirm the grafting effectiveness. Thermogravimetric Analysis and Differential Scanning Calorimeter were further employed to confirm chemical modification. Considering the potential use of this new biomaterial, original properties were also studied. Finishing treatment seems to preserve mechanical properties, and hydrophilicity of the cellulosic substrate. MTT assay were done in HepG2 cells to ensure that the obtained dressings are non-toxic. The biomaterial showed high biocompatibility and promoted cell viability. Antimicrobial studies showed that grafting treatment conserved polymer antibacterial activity. Optimized cotton dressings exhibited a significant inhibitory effect against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli bacteria, killed respectively at 70.2% and 72.4%.
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