Abstract
Bacterial cellulose (BC) is an extracellular polymer produced by Komagateibacter xylinus, which has been shown to possess a multitude of properties, which makes it innately useful as a next-generation biopolymer. The structure of BC is comprised of glucose monomer units polymerised by cellulose synthase in β-1-4 glucan chains which form uniaxially orientated BC fibril bundles which measure 3–8 nm in diameter. BC is chemically identical to vegetal cellulose. However, when BC is compared with other natural or synthetic analogues, it shows a much higher performance in biomedical applications, potable treatment, nano-filters and functional applications. The main reason for this superiority is due to the high level of chemical purity, nano-fibrillar matrix and crystallinity. Upon using BC as a carrier or scaffold with other materials, unique and novel characteristics can be observed, which are all relatable to the features of BC. These properties, which include high tensile strength, high water holding capabilities and microfibrillar matrices, coupled with the overall physicochemical assets of bacterial cellulose makes it an ideal candidate for further scientific research into biopolymer development. This review thoroughly explores several areas in which BC is being investigated, ranging from biomedical applications to electronic applications, with a focus on the use as a next-generation wound dressing. The purpose of this review is to consolidate and discuss the most recent advancements in the applications of bacterial cellulose, primarily in biomedicine, but also in biotechnology.
Highlights
One of the most abundant polymeric materials that can be found in nature is cellulose, being found in all plant life, and produced by several microbial organisms
Most bacterial cellulose is produced via the conventional static fermentation technique, Most bacterial cellulose is produced via the conventional static fermentation techwhereby K. xylinus can grow in shallow containers of semi-defined growth medium in a nique, whereby ◦K. xylinus can grow in shallow containers of semi-defined growth mestatic incubator at 30 C for 7 to 14 days, after which a thick pellicle of cellulose forms at dium in a static incubator at 30 °C for 7 to 14 days, after which a thick pellicle of cellulose the liquid surface interface and is harvested [11]
Bacterial cellulose has been identified as a highly adaptable material to produce medically relevant materials, such as wound dressings, composites, dental grafts, and gels, which all have distinctive characteristics that are suited to their role
Summary
One of the most abundant polymeric materials that can be found in nature is cellulose, being found in all plant life, and produced by several microbial organisms. Various plants, such as flax, cotton and hemp, contain a large quantity of cellulose These sources are exploited to produce specific materials, including currency, specialist paper and clothing [2]. The overall outcome of novel biomedical devices is determined by the way in which cells respond to the biomaterials; these interactions are usually related to physicochemical and pharmacological properties, including surface charge, wettability, topography and the presence of hydrophobic/hydrophilic compounds. These properties influence the intrinsically biocompatible system and mechanical qualities of the material. Biotechnological areas that have been explored include: drug delivery systems, tissue regeneration and surgical materials, immobilisation matrices and electronics, while biomedical areas focus on the application of bacterial cellulose in wound dressings
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