Bacterial Cellulose as a Versatile Biomaterial for Wound Dressing Application

Abstract

Chronic ulcers are among the main causes of morbidity and mortality due to the high probability of infection and sepsis and therefore exert a significant impact on public health resources. Numerous types of dressings are used for the treatment of skin ulcers-each with different advantages and disadvantages. Bacterial cellulose (BC) has received enormous interest in the cosmetic, pharmaceutical, and medical fields due to its biological, physical, and mechanical characteristics, which enable the creation of polymer composites and blends with broad applications. In the medical field, BC was at first used in wound dressings, tissue regeneration, and artificial blood vessels. This material is suitable for treating various skin diseases due its considerable fluid retention and medication loading properties. BC membranes are used as a temporary dressing for skin treatments due to their excellent fit to the body, reduction in pain, and acceleration of epithelial regeneration. BC-based composites and blends have been evaluated and synthesized both in vitro and in vivo to create an ideal microenvironment for wound healing. This review describes different methods of producing and handling BC for use in the medical field and highlights the qualities of BC in detail with emphasis on biomedical reports that demonstrate its utility. Moreover, it gives an account of biomedical applications, especially for tissue engineering and wound dressing materials reported until date. This review also includes patents of BC applied as a wound dressing material.

Bacterial Cellulose—Carboxymethylcellulose Composite Loaded with Turmeric Extract for Antimicrobial Wound Dressing Applications

“…Among the biopolymers that are gaining attention as possible candidates for wound dressing, we find bacterial cellulose (BC), a biopolymer obtained by microbial fermentation of non-pathogenic bacteria of the genus Komagateibacter , such as K. xylinus (synonyms: Acetobacter xylinus , Gluconacetobacter xylinus ) [ 7 , 8 ]. Two arguments sustain the use of bacterial cellulose as wound dressing material: its intrinsic properties and its potential to be used in composite materials with or without chemical modification.…”

Bacterial Cellulose-Based Blends and Composites: Versatile Biomaterials for Tissue Engineering Applications

“…In medical applications, BC was first used in wound dressings for improved tissue regeneration [ 191 ]. The main criteria for successful wound dressings are to provide a moist environment, inhibit bacterial infections, be non-toxic and non-allergenic, promote heat insulation, and allow easy transportation of gases [ 9 ].…”

“…The main criteria for successful wound dressings are to provide a moist environment, inhibit bacterial infections, be non-toxic and non-allergenic, promote heat insulation, and allow easy transportation of gases [ 9 ]. BC can provide reduced pain, acceleration of healing, and a great fit to the body, making it suitable for skin care applications [ 191 ]. There were several in vivo and in vitro studies that have been conducted on novel BC-containing composites in attempts to provide an ideal micro-environment for wound healing.…”

Bacterial Cellulose-Based Polymer Nanocomposites: A Review

“…At present, there are various wound dressings that can protect a wound from further injuries, or isolate the external environment in wound treatment [ 25 , 26 , 27 , 28 , 185 , 186 , 187 , 188 , 189 , 190 ]. An ideal wound dressing should facilitate healing, maintain moist environment, absorb exudates, support angiogenesis, allow gaseous exchange, prevent microbial infections, be comfortable, and cost-effective.…”