Biocompatibility and Growth of Human Keratinocytes and Fibroblasts on Biosynthesized Cellulose-Chitosan Film

Bacterial cellulose (BC)-chitosan (BCC) films made via bio-co-polymerization by Acetobacter xylinum were developed and characterized for physical and biological properties. With the incorporation of chitosan MW 3 x 10(4) and 8 x 10(4) into bacterial cellulose, the modified films (BCC-MW 30 000 and BCC-MW 80 000, respectively) became denser, with a smaller average pore size of 13.1-15.3 nm in dry form. The BCC films have no toxicity against L929 mouse fibroblast cells. Tissue compatibility was then evaluated by growth and spreading of human skin keratinocytes and fibroblasts. The results revealed that the growth of human skin keratinocytes and fibroblasts on the BCC films was comparable to that on the BC film; however, improvement of cell adhesion and spreading on the BCC films was observed in human skin keratinocytes. The results of the biological response experiments showed no significant difference between BCC-MW 30 000 and BCC-MW 80 000. (C) Koninklijke Brill NV, Leiden, 2010