Shredded Bacterial Cellulose as a Potential Carrier of Polyphenols Derived from Apple Waste Applying Rapid Solid–Liquid Dynamic Extraction

The production and application of bacterial cellulose (BC) from nonpathogenic microorganisms, such as Acetobacter species, have gained popularity due to its high-water absorption capacity and mechanical strength. Although BC is already used as an additive to modulate the texture of some cosmetic and food formulations, it has not yet been characterized as a carrier of bioactive compounds in such formulations. This study explores the production and characterization of shredded-BC incorporating polyphenolic compounds extracted from waste apples using rapid solid–liquid dynamic extraction (RSLDE) at room temperature. While shredding did not alter BC’s inner microstructure, the increased surface-to-volume ratio and simplified tridimensional structure significantly enhanced the absorption and release kinetics of polyphenols, enabling faster delivery. These findings highlight the potential of shredded-BC as a particle-based ingredient for cosmetic masks, facilitating the rapid release of antioxidant compounds and offering new opportunities for the development of BC cosmetic formulations capable of controlling the release rate of bioactive compounds by modulating their size.