Biocompatibility Evaluation on a Bio-Hydrogel Composed of Bacterial Cellulose and Chitosan

A bionanocomposite hydrogel from the integration of Bacterial cellulose (BC) and chitosan has been developed by in-situ biosynthesis of Gluconacetobacter xylinum, whose biocompatibility is essential for tissue engineering applications. The in vitro and in vivo biocompatibility evaluations include following aspects: hematolysis, systemic allergy, pyrogen test, conjuctiva stimulation, and acute toxicity, as well as the effects on rat Fibroblast (FB) and Keratinocytes (KC) cells for cell compatibility. Moreover, BC/chitosan hydrogel shows antihematolytic property, judged from its hematolysis ratio far less than the criteria, and never exhibits allergic symptoms and conjunctival irritant reactions. Noticeably, in the animal experiments, body temperature elevation of rats remained in acceptable range and appeared normal grade of acute toxicity. BC/chitosan hydrogel as a scaffold material promoted the growth and proliferation of FB and KC cells. We therefore conclude that BC/chitosan hybrid hydrogel presents good biocompatibilities and promising potential as a tissue engineering scaffold.