Preparation and characterization of cellulose‐based nanocomposite hydrogel films containing CuO/Cu2O/Cu with antibacterial activity

Abstract In the present study, the influence of citric acid (CA) on hydrogel films composed of sodium carboxymethylcellulose (NaCMC), hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC), and CuO nanoflakes was investigated for their physicochemical, mechanical, thermal, and antibacterial properties. XRD patterns showed that the prepared hydrogel films revealed the crystalline phase for CuO/Cu 2 O/Cu at 20% CA concentration. Laser micro‐Raman spectroscopy confirmed the presence of CuO and Cu 2 O in the films. Increase in CA concentration decreased the swelling degree and tensile strength and increased the decomposition temperature of NaCMC, HPMC, and CuO. According to FESEM and FETEM results, shape and size of CuO nanoflakes were completely changed into spherical nanoparticles with increase in CA concentration. HRTEM and inverse Fourier transform images showed that the d‐spacing of CuO, Cu 2 O, and Cu were correlated with XRD results. The prepared hydrogel films exhibited significant antibacterial activity and biocompatibility against HaCaT cells. All these data recommend that the prepared hydrogel films may be used for potential wound healing applications.