Nature of plant stimulators in the production ofAcetobacter xylinum (“tea fungus”) biofilm used in skin therapy

Abstract

Caffeine and related xanthines were identified as potent stimulators for the bacterial cellulose production in A. xylinum. These compounds are present in several plants whose infusions are useful as culture-medium supplements for this acetobacterium. The proposed target for these native purine-like inhibitory substances is the novel diguanyl nucleotide phosphodiesterase(s) that participate(s) in the bacterial cellulogenic complex. A better understanding of this feature of A. xylinum physiology may facilitate the preparation of bacterial cellulose pellicles, which are applied as a biotechnological tool in the treatment of skin burns and other dermal injuries.

Characterization of the tea fungus metabolites

“…produced by a pure culture ofAcetobacter xylinum grown on a medium composed mainly of sucrose and tea xanthines (Fontana et al, 1991). This work will focus mainly on the presence of ethanol, organic and usnic acids in fermented tea.…”

Biomechanical evaluation of microbial cellulose (Zoogloea sp.) and expanded polytetrafluoroethylene membranes as implants in repair of produced abdominal wall defects in rats

“…In humans, microbial cellulose (Acetobacter xilynum) has been used on lesions of tegument (serious burns, skin graft ( in the donor and receiving areas), facial peeling, infectious dermolysis, abrasion of tattoos, chronic ulcers, Hanseníase of the distal members 12,13 . Experimental studies for clinical application have been accomplished with membrane produced by the Acetobacter xilynum in several conditions as: protective cover for reconstruction of nerves 14 ; duraplasty 15 ; healing of epithelial lesions of cornea 16 ; healing of duodenal lesions 17 ; substitute of blood vessels 18 ; cuffs for of reconstruction of micronerves 18 ; reconstruction of the retroperitoneum 19 ; and technical training in microsurgery 18 .…”

Bacterial Cellulose

“…Thus, BC has been widely targeted by studies in the development of new materials and in vitro and in vivo studies due to excellent physiochemical and biological properties with high potential for applications in tissue engineering/regenerative medicine [56][57][58][59][60][61][62][63][64][65].…”