Brzoza-Malczewska K, Kucharska M, Wiśniewska-Wrona M, Guzińska K, Ulacha-Bacciarelli A. Modifed Cellulose Products for Application in Hygiene and Dressing Materials (Part I). FIBRES & TEXTILES in Eastern Europe 2015; 23, 3(111): 126-132. 126 Modifed Cellulose Products for Application in Hygiene and Dressing Materials (Part I) Kinga Brzoza-Malczewska, Magdalena Kucharska, Maria Wiśniewska-Wrona, Krystyna Guzińska, *Anna Ulacha-Bacciarelli Institute of Biopolymers and Chemical Fibres, ul. M. Skłodowska-Curie 19/27 90-570 Łódź, Poland E-mail: biomater@ibwch.lodz.pl *Lodz University of Technology, ul. Żeromskiego 116, 90-924 , Łódź, Polska Abstract Modifcation of commercial cellulose products commonly used in homes and hospitals was the main purpose of the research herein presented. Enhanced moisture sorption and anti- microbial properties were conferred upon regular commercial gauze. Nanoparticles of mi- crocrystalline chitosan and complex chitosan/alginateNa/Ca were used in the modifcation. A method was elaborated for the preparation of polymeric materials with a particle size below 1 µm by means of an ultrasonic reactor (Hielscher UP 200S). Modifed commercial dressing materials were obtained charecterised by a largely increased absorption capac- ity, thus easing the transportation of moisture to the outside of the dressing and providing an environment optimal for wound healing. Thanks to the internal surface developed and adequately selected composition, the modifed cellulosic materials exhibit antibacterial and antifungal properties. Key words: cellulosic products, nanoparticles, chitosan, chitosan/alginate Na/Ca complex. readily absorbs exudates from burn wounds. Moreover it does not stick to the wound, and exhibits adequate strength and excellent antibacterial properties [28]. Other materials of this kind also include: 1) a dressing of chitosan nanofbres char- acterised by high antimicrobial activ- ity as well as a high value of water retention and absorption indices [29], 2) a dressing made of a blend of synthet- ic and polysaccharide fbres [31], and 3) a textile dressing material based on chitosan-modifed oxidised cellulose [31]. Textile dressing materials are also avail- able in the form of gauze, cotton wool and sponge modifed with alginate salts containing an admixture of penicillin or its derivatives designed to prevent bleed- ing from wounds [32]. The main goal of the research presented here was to modify a commercial cellu- losic dressing gauze for home and hospi- tal use by conferring enhanced moisture absorption and antimicrobial properties. Microcrystalline chitosan and chitosan/ alginate complex with a particle size below 1 µm were used for the purpose. The particles size of the two polymeric materials was reduced to a nano-range by means of an ultra-sonic reactor - Hiels- cher UP 200S n Experimental Materials 1. Virgin chitosan Chito Clear HQG Primex Co, Iceland, with the fol- lowing quality parameters: average molecular mass -M v = 372 kD, dea- microorganisms: S. aureus and P. aerugi- nosa [21]. Increasing interest can recently be seen in the development of textile dressing mate- rials modifed by the addition of natural polymers of the polysaccharide group, like chitosan and alginates. Biodegra- dability, lack of toxicity and adequate antimicrobial properties characterise the polymers. A chitosan-modifed double- layer nonwoven dressing made of Tencel fbres and cotton as well as a chitosan- modifed dressing of polypropylene or cellulose feece [23] count among the latter products. A dressing material com- posed of a bio-absorbable medium tinted with an oxidation-inhibiting dye has been proposed for the healing of regular and diffcult wounds both infected and unin- fected. The dressing base may comprise collagen, chitosan, and regenerated cel- lulose with the admixture of silver salt. It is offered in the form of flm, fabric, knitwear, nonwoven, sponge, foam or a combination thereof [24]. Known are commercial dressing materials like plas- ters for the disinfection of wounds, where a cotton gauze activated with chitosan, chitin or its antibacterial and antifungal oligosaccharides [25] make the active layer. A nonwoven and sponge with a content of chitosan and cellulose are one other variant of the active layer [26]. A micro-porous elastic band with a con- tent of chitosan, glycerol or dehydrate of calcium chloride was also prepared, which exhibits a high tenacity and ab- sorption capacity [27]. Known from the literature survey is a double-layer medical dressing contain- ing chitosan and a complex of an anionic polymer and textile reinforcement which n Introduction The number of diseases caused by mi- crobiological, especially specifc hospital infections has increased in recent years, triggering extensive research into new materials and procedures which would bring permanent bioactive effects and high safety for humans. Fungi and Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria are commonly met in cellulosic textile and paper materials. Textiles used for medi- cal and hygiene purposes usually come into contact with highly bacteria- con- taminated media, leading to the decay of the materials and the secretion of odour. This is the reason why so many antimi- crobial hygiene and medical products have emerged on the medical market. The antibacterial properties of materials are conferred by processing with nano- silver or the salts of silver [1 - 17]. Re- cently these substances have come under criticism for their negative impact upon the environment and humans [18 - 20]. A number of medical products are avail- able in which antimicrobial properties are achieved by admixing some antisep- tic substances of a broad activity spec- trum, for example dressing called Ker- lix ® (Tyco Healthcare Kendall), made of low density gauze impregnated with polyhexamethylene biguanide, which reveals a wide bactericidal range. The dressing is devised for use in infam- matory states and in the purifcation of infected wounds [21]. The dressing Bi- oguard, prepared from gauze with a con- tent of poly (dimethyldiallylammonium chloride) – pDADMAC, is extremely ef- fective in the healing of wounds infected with Staphylococus aureus, being resist- ant to metacycline (MRSA) and other