Acetobacter cellulose pellicle as a temporary skin substitute

Abstract

A bacterial strain with morphological and biochemical properties close to Acetobacter xylinum has been cultured in nonagitated, inverted sucrose- and yeast water-based medium for the production of thick, smooth, and floating cellulosic pellicles. The cellulose content (greater than 90%, dry weight, depending on the efficiency of water washing) and the beta-D-homopolyglucan nature of these pellicles were assessed by physical, chemical, and enzymatic methods. The apyrogenic bacterial biomass, a minor component of the dried biofilm (BioFill), is inactivated by ethylene dioxide. Once applied on exudating or bloody tissues, this biofilm displays several advantages as a biological dressing, and hence, it is valuable as a temporary skin substitute in the treatment of skin wounds, such as burns, ulcers, grafts, and as an adjuvant in dermal abrasions.

Characteristics of Curcumin-Loaded Bacterial Cellulose Films and Anticancer Properties against Malignant Melanoma Skin Cancer Cells

“…BC is a source of highly pure cellulose, which possesses superior properties to plant cellulose, including high mechanical strength, high crystallinity, ultra-fine network structure, high hydrophilicity, and biocompatibility [2,3]. The potential of never-dried BC has been studied in biomedical applications such as cartilage tissue engineering [4], replacement of blood vessels in rats [5], artificial skin for humans with extensive burns [6], wound dressings [7], and controlled release [8]. Many medical treatments require the constant and slow release of a particular drug at a controlled concentration [9].…”

The Future Prospects of Microbial Cellulose in Biomedical Applications

“…Microbial cellulose (MC), a polysaccharide synthesized in abundance by Acetobacter xylinum, has already been used quite successfully in wound-healing applications, proving that it could become a high-value product in the field of biotechnology. [1][2][3] Traditional plant-originated cellulose and cellulose-based materials, usually in the form of woven cotton gauze dressings, have been used in medical applications for many years and are mainly utilized to stop bleeding. Even though this conventional dressing is not ideal, its use continues to be widespread.…”

Efficiency of Microbial Cellulose Dressing in Partial-Thickness Burn Wounds

“…Fontana et al 11 and Mayall et al 12 studied this cellulose dressing in burns and chronic ulcers. This wound dressing material is more effective than others.…”