Opportunities of Bacterial Cellulose to Treat Epithelial Tissues

Abstract

In this mini-review, we highlight the potential of the biopolymer bacterial cellulose to treat damaged epithelial tissues. Epithelial tissues are cell sheets that delimitate both the external body surfaces and the internal cavities and organs. Epithelia serve as physical protection to underlying organs, regulate the diffusion of molecules and ions, secrete substances and filtrate body fluids, among other vital functions. Because of their continuous exposure to environmental stressors, damage to epithelial tissues is highly prevalent. Here, we first compare the properties of bacterial cellulose to the current gold standard, collagen, and then we examine the use of bacterial cellulose patches to heal specific epithelial tissues; the outer skin, the ocular surface, the oral mucosa and other epithelial surfaces. Special emphasis is made on the dermis since, to date, this is the most widespread medical use of bacterial cellulose. It is important to note that some epithelial tissues represent only the outermost layer of more complex structures such as the skin or the cornea. In these situations, depending on the penetration of the lesion, bacterial cellulose might also be involved in the regeneration of, for instance, inner connective tissue.

Bacterial nanocellulose as a corneal bandage material: a comparison with amniotic membrane

“…26,27 Despite these promising reports, the capability of BNC to heal other body surfaces such as the cornea or the dura mater 28 remain largely unexploited. 29 Therefore, based on the outstanding performance of BNC on skin wound healing, we hypothesize that BNC also holds potential as an ocular surface bandage. In contrast to AM, BNC is stable at room temperature for long periods of time and its production from diverse carbon sources is sustainable and controllable in terms of size, shape and thickness.…”

The Impact of a Nanocellulose-Based Wound Dressing in the Management of Thermal Injuries in Children: Results of a Retrospective Evaluation

“…We hypothesize this outcome to be due to the properties of the bacterial-nanocellulose base of Epicite hydro ® . The high mechanical stability and flexibility [ 9 , 10 ] allow the dressing to conform to the wound bed and adapt to patient movements without risk of detachment or rupture. In general, the adherence to the wound is related to the water holding/release capacity of the wound dressing, which has to be able to absorb large amounts of exudate.…”

“…Bacterial nanocellulose represents a promising biomaterial for wound dressings [ 8 , 9 ]. It is characterized by a nanofiber network structure that confers mechanical stability and flexibility [ 10 , 11 ]. It is highly biocompatible [ 12 ] and has a water content of at least 95% [ 13 ].…”

Industrial-Scale Production and Applications of Bacterial Cellulose

“…BC has great potential in diverse biomedical applications including wound dressing, artificial skin, dental implant, drug delivery, hemostatic materials, vascular grafts, scaffolds for tissue engineering, biosensor and diagnosis (Rajwade et al, 2015 ; Anton-Sales et al, 2019 ; Carvalho et al, 2019 ). The high purity and biocompatibility of BC are the prerequisite for all the biomedical applications.…”