(174bb) Process Strategy to Produce a Bacterial Cellulose Membrane Containing Ferulic Acid for Cosmetic Applications

Cellulose is a biopolymer with a wide range of applications, including paper, textile, food, pharmaceuticals and cosmetics. Most of the cellulose used worldwide is from plant origin, where a cellulose purification process is required to remove other plant components (lignin, hemicellulose) using chemicals that are detrimental to the environment. On the other hand, bacterial cellulose (BC) has the advantages of being lignin and hemicellulose-free and composed of smaller fibers exhibiting higher water absorption capability and better mechanical resistance, among others. The present work includes an optimization of the inoculum preparation using the high BC producer Komagataeibacter xylinus, where the BC production time was reduced in about 60% in static conditions. In addition, ferulic acid has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and photoprotective properties, which makes it attractive for the formulation of face masks. Membrane washing is mandatory for the BC membranes to be used in face masks’ formulation for skin care routine. Washing procedures with NaOH solution and/or distilled water were evaluated as well as the effect of autoclaving (sterilizing) the membranes. Membrane characterization was accomplished using Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) and X-ray Diffraction (DRX). Finally, the capability of the different BC membrane preparations for ferulic acid incorporation was evaluated. Washing with distilled water followed by autoclaving showed the highest ferulic acid solution absorption when the incorporation was performed at 50°C and 2 h.