Fabrication of Ferulic Acid-Cellulose Nanocrystal Enhanced Stretchable and Antibacterial Hydrogels

Abstract

Hydrogels are widely utilized in biomaterials, medicine, and food science due to their versatile properties. This study developed a ferulic acid (FA) and cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) hydrogel within a polyacrylamide matrix, polymerized using ammonium persulfate and crosslinked with N-methylenebisacrylamide. The FA@CNC hydrogel demonstrated exceptional tensile ductility and elasticity. Antibacterial evaluations against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus revealed significant efficacy, with activity increasing proportionally to FA concentration. Swelling studies indicated a maximum equilibrium swelling ratio of 1210 % after 36 h, showcasing the hydrogel's ability to undergo substantial expansion while maintaining its original shape and structural integrity. It was indicated that the synthesized hydrogels were capable of absorbing large volumes of exudate while preserving a moist environment conducive to accelerated wound healing. Scanning electron microscopy analysis confirmed a regular and dense microstructure, which contributes to the hydrogel's mechanical stability and robustness. The optimized preparation process developed in this study resulted in hydrogels with significantly enhanced performance. These findings underscore the hydrogel's superior mechanical and functional properties, paving the way for innovative applications across biomaterials, medical, and food-related industries.