Fecha de publicación: 13/11/2024 Fuente: Cellulose (Springer) Abstract
Microcarriers offer a convenient way to support cell adhesion and proliferation for biomedical applications. However, commercial microcarriers often have high production costs and limited biodegradability. This research explores the use of cellulose-rich oil palm empty fruit bunch (OPEFB) as a cheap, sustainable, and biodegradable alternative for developing microcarriers. In this research, a series of carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) microcarriers were prepared from OPEFB using iron (III) chloride ionic crosslinker at various polymer and crosslinker concentrations. Gel content, swelling behaviour, mechanical stability, and in vitro degradation test of microcarriers were characterised. Cell culture investigation was also performed to determine cell attachment efficiency on the microcarriers. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis confirmed the synthesis of CMC with a degree of substitution of 1.28. The CMC microcarriers, averaging 1105.52–1322.25 µm in size, displayed porous surface morphology and successful ionic crosslinking, as confirmed by scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The gel content increased from 16.95 to 42.65%, while swelling behaviours decreased from 385 to 32% with increasing polymer and crosslinker concentrations. Higher concentration samples (CMC-3, CMC-6, and CMC-9) demonstrated enhanced mechanical stability and reduced sensitivity to the environment. All microcarriers displayed biodegradability ranging from 40 to 90%. Notably, CMC-6 recorded the highest cellular attachment efficiency for human fibroblast cells. These findings suggest that OPEFB is a viable source of sustainable and biodegradable microcarriers, contributing to advancements in tissue engineering and cellular applications.

Graphical abstract