Anti-pathogenic and probiotic-friendly effect of benzyloxy pyridine derivative impregnated into bacterial cellulose matrix

Bacterial cellulose (BC) has emerged as a promising biomaterial for biomedical applications due to its unique properties. In this study, firstly, the potential of BC as a carrier material for the originally synthesized benzyloxy pyridine derivative (BeOxP), and also an antimicrobial and probiotic bacteria-friendly (on <i>Lactiplantibacillus plantarum</i> 299v (LP299V^®) (DSM 9843)) effect of BC- BeOxP was investigated. The BC- BeOxP composite material was developed using a simple and efficient method, ensuring the uniform dispersion of BeOxP within the BC matrix. Characterization of BeOxP has been carried out with High-Resolution Mass Spectroscopy (HRMS) and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR). Additionally, BC- BeOxP was characterized by Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Differential thermal analysis (DTA), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Texture analysis, and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), confirming the successful integration of BeOxP without compromising the structural integrity of BC. The mechanical properties of the BC- BeOxP composites were also evaluated to ensure their suitability for drug-carrying or food-packaging applications. Antimicrobial activity of the BC- BeOxP was analyzed against <i>Staphylococcus aureus</i> ATCC 29213 and <i>Escherichia coli</i> ATCC 25922 while the probiotic-friendly effect was tested on <i>Lactiplantibacillus plantarum</i> 299v (LP299V^®) (DSM 9843). The findings open avenues for further research of BC-based drug carriers or packaging materials for advanced biomedical applications.