Present status and applications of bacterial cellulose-based materials for skin tissue repair

Bacterial cellulose (BC, also known as microbial cellulose, MC) is a promising natural polymer which is biosynthesized by certain bacteria. This review focused on BC-based materials which can be utilized for skin tissue repair. Firstly, it is illustrated that BC has unique structural and mechanical properties as compared with higher plant cellulose, and is thus expected to become a commodity material. Secondly, we summarized the basic properties and different types of BC, including self-assembled, oriented BC, and multiform BC. Thirdly, composites prepared by using BC in conjunction with other polymers are explored, and the research on BC for application in skin tissue engineering is addressed. Finally, experimental results and clinical treatments assessing the performance of wound healing materials based on BC were examined. With its superior mechanical properties, as well as its excellent biocompatibility, BC was shown to have great potential for biomedical application and very high clinical value for skin tissue repair. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.