Biomedical Applications of Microbial Cellulose in Burn Wound Recovery

Abstract

Microbial cellulose (MC) is a very versatile biomaterial. Even though it has already been successfully deployed in such diverse scientific endeavors as electronics, acoustics, and fuel cells, it is particularly well suited for the creation of unique biomedical devices which can significantly improve the healing process. Because of the increased interest in tissue engineered products for the regeneration of damaged or diseased organs, microbial cellulose may become an essential material for a diverse array of medical treatments. Microbial cellulose from Acetobacter xylinum recently has been shown to be very beneficial in the treatment of superficial second degree and deep dermal second degree burns. In a clinical study performed on 34 patients, the MC wound dressing materials were directly applied on fresh burns covering up to 9–18% of the body surface. The following analyses were considered during the trials: macroscopic observations of the wound and wound exudates, epidermal growth, microbiological tests, and histopathological studies. The wounds are all very well isolated from the outside environment by application of the MC membranes. Due to the unique 3-D nanostructure, MC membranes virtually replicate the wound surface at the nano-scale level and create optimal moist conditions for wound healing and skin regeneration. In shallow wounds, MC dressing promoted growth of the epidermis and in deep wounds shortened the period of scab demarcation. Factors for this success include but are not limited to the following: (a) a moist environment for tissue regeneration; (b) significant pain reduction; (c) the specific microbial cellulose nano-morphology which appears to promote cell interaction and, tissue re-growth; (d) significant reduction of scar forma- tion; and, (e) easy and safe release of wound care materials from the burn site dur- ing treatment. Microbial Cellulose promises to have many new applications in wound care that extend beyond burn applications including, but not limited to, the following: surgical wounds, bedsores, ulcers, tissue, and organ engineering.