Nanocellulose/Nanoporous Silicon Composite Films as a Drug Delivery System

Nanocellulose (NC) is a promising material for drug delivery due to its high surface area-to-volume ratio, biocompatibility, biodegradability, and versatility in various formats (nanoparticles, hydrogels, microspheres, membranes, and films). In this study, nanocellulose films were derived from “Bolaina blanca” (Guazuma crinita) and combined with nanoporous silicon microparticles (nPSi) in concentrations ranging from 0.1% to 1.0% (w/v), using polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) as a binding agent to create NC/nPSi composite films for drug delivery systems. The physicochemical properties of the samples were characterized using UV-Vis spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy–attenuated total reflectance (FTIR–ATR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The mechanical properties and drug release capabilities were also evaluated using methylene blue (MB) as an antibacterial drug model. Antibacterial assays were conducted against S. aureus and E. coli bacteria. The results show that NC/nPSi composites with 1% nPSi increased the T50% by 10 °C and enhanced mechanical properties, such as a 70% increase in the elastic modulus and a 372% increase in elongation, compared to NC films. Additionally, MB released from NC/nPSi composites effectively inhibited the growth of both bacteria. It was also observed that the diffusion coefficients were inversely proportional to the % nPSi. These findings suggest that this novel NC/nPSi-based material can serve as an effective controlled drug release system.