Cellulose for Future Materials and Technologies Special Research Unit, Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Agro-Industry, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, 10900, Thailand
Title: Enhanced Bacterial Cellulose Scaffolds via Cassava Flour In Situ Modification and BSA Functionalization for Soft Tissue Engineering
Aris Fafon1 and Prakit Sukyai1,2
1Cellulose for Future Materials and Technologies Special Research Unit, Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Agro-Industry, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, 10900, Thailand
2 Center for Advanced Studies for Agriculture and Food, Kasetsart University Institute for
Advanced Studies, Kasetsart University, Chatuchak, Bangkok, 10900, Thailand
Contact Author’s e-mail address: fagipks@ku.ac.th
Soft tissue injuries represent a persistent global health burden, largely arising from road traffic incidents, falls, and interpersonal violence. While tissue engineering provides a promising route for regenerative treatment, the development of scaffolds capable of supporting efficient tissue reconstruction remains a critical challenge. Bacterial cellulose (BC) is widely recognized for its biocompatibility and mechanical stability; however, its intrinsically dense nanofibrillar network restricts porosity and limits cellular infiltration. This study presents an in situ strategy to enhance BC by incorporating cassava flour during biosynthesis, resulting in a disrupted fiber arrangement and improved pore structure. To further promote biological functionality, the modified BC was subsequently coated with bovine serum albumin (BSA), a bioactive protein known to facilitate cellular adhesion and proliferation. The engineered scaffolds were rigorously characterized through scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), porosity and swelling analyses, and biodegradability evaluation. Biocompatibility was assessed using cytotoxicity and fibroblast proliferation assays. The findings indicate that cassava flour incorporation significantly improves the structural architecture of BC, while BSA surface functionalization enhances cell–scaffold interactions. The combined modification approach results in a scaffold with superior physicochemical and biological performance, highlighting its potential for application in soft tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.
Biography of the presenting author
Mr. Aris Fafon completed his Bachelor’s degree at Kasetsart University and is currently pursuing an integrated Master’s–Ph.D. program. His research focuses on bacterial cellulose and its structural modification for applications in tissue engineering and advanced biomaterial development.
Presenting author details
Full name: Mr. Aris Fafon
Contact number: +66 65 513 9757
Email: Aris.fafo@ku.th
Session name/ number: Medical and Pharmaceutical Biotechnology
Category: Oral presentation