ZINC-LOADED CELLULOSE ACETATE MEMBRANES WITH POTENTIAL BIOMEDICAL APPLICATIONS

This study presents the successful synthesis of zinc-loaded cellulose acetate membranes with antibacterial properties and potential biomedical applications. The main goal of this research was to obtain hybrid materials via in situ synthesis of zinc-based compounds on the polymeric membranes surface, using a facile method based on impregnation with zinc salts and alkaline precipitation. FT-IR and SEM analysis were used to reveal the morpho-structural features, and the thermal stability was investigated by TGA and DSC. The swelling degree and antibacterial properties were also studied to determinate if the obtained membranes are suitable for use in the wound healing area.