Abstract
The unique pool of features found in intracellular and extracellular bacterial biopolymers attracts a lot of research, with bacterial cellulose (BC) being one of the most versatile and common. BC is an exopolysaccharide consisting solely of cellulose, and the variation in the production process can vary its shape or even its composition when compounding is applied in situ. Together with ex situ modification pathways, including specialised polymers, particles or exclusively functional groups, BC provides a robust platform that yields complex multifunctional compounds that go far beyond ultra-high purity, intrinsic hydrophilicity, mechanical strength and biocompatibility to introduce bioactive, (pH, thermal, electro) responsive, conductive and ‘smart’ properties. This review summarises the research outcomes in BC-medical applications, focusing mainly on data from the past decade (i.e., 2010–2020), with special emphasis on BC nanocomposites as materials and devices applicable in medicine. The high purity and unique structural/mechanical features, in addition to its capacity to closely adhere to irregular skin surfaces, skin tolerance, and demonstrated efficacy in wound healing, all stand as valuable attributes advantageous in topical drug delivery. Numerous studies prove BC compatibility with various human cells, with modifications even improving cell affinity and viability. Even BC represents a physical barrier that can reduce the penetration of bacteria into the tissue, but in its native form does not exhibit antimicrobial properties, therefore carious modifications have been made or specific compounds added to confer antimicrobial or anti-inflammatory properties. Progress in the use of BC-compounds as wound dressings, vascular grafts, and scaffolds for the treatment of cartilage, bone and osteochondral defects, the role as a basement membrane in blood-brain barrier models and many more are discussed to particular extent, emphasising the need for BC compounding to meet specific requirements.
Highlights
Biopolymers are produced by living organisms, namely the prokaryotes and eukaryotes, as extraor intracellular compounds, synthesised by means of processive enzymes
The unique combination of properties found in intracellular and extracellular bacterial attracts a wide range of research, with bacterial cellulose (BC)
The longer periods (5 min) increase the crystallinity of the cellulose and the entangled fibrils, while a short treatment (1 min) was advantageous for the BC suspensions, as the fibrils could be reduced to half of their initial value due to their collapse
Summary
Biopolymers are produced by living organisms, namely the prokaryotes and eukaryotes, as extraor intracellular compounds, synthesised by means of processive enzymes. [1] Acting as a prime cell factories, different bacteria utilise the carbon and nitrogen sources, transforming them into complex compounds from group of polysaccharides, polyamides, polyesters, polyphosphates, extracellular DNA and proteins, etc. The unique combination of properties found in intracellular and extracellular bacterial attracts a wide range of research, with bacterial cellulose (BC). Being one of the most and biopolymers attracts a wide range of research, with bacterial cellulose (BC) being one versatile of the most common. ~1000 units,area large surface area
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