Abstract: Our study aimed to construct gelatin (G)/ethyl cellulose (EC) aerogels and study their three-dimensional microstructures and physical properties. Zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles were loaded into the aerogels and were evaluated for antibacterial activities. A gelatin/ethyl cellulose nanofibrous membrane was prepared by electrospinning and then transformed into the aerogels by freeze-drying. Sodium alginate (SA) and calcium chloride (CaCl2) were added to cross-link the obtained aerogels. The physical properties of the aerogels were analyzed by exploring the morphology, porosity, thermal conductivity, water stability, mechanical properties, and thermal stability. The antibacterial properties were tested using the inhibition zone and turbidimetric methods. The results showed that the aerogel with a gelatin/ethyl cellulose mass ratio of 1:1 cross-linked by SA and CaCl2 presented the best mechanical properties and water stability. The aerogels loaded with ZnO nanoparticles had strong antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, which could be significantly enhanced by ultraviolet irradiation.

Key words: gelatin; ethyl cellulose; aerogels; zinc oxide; antibacterial activity; ultraviolet irradiation