Biomaterials
Volume 27, Issue 2 , January 2006, Pages 145-151

Copyright © 2005 Elsevier Ltd All rights reserved.

Microbial cellulose—the natural power to heal wounds

Wojciech Czajaa,, Alina Krystynowicza, Stanislaw Bieleckia and R. Malcolm Brown, Jr.

Institute of Technical Biochemistry, Technical University of Lodz, Stefanowskiego 4/10, Lodz 90-924, Poland
Section of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78713, USA

Microbial cellulose (MC) synthesized in abundance by Acetobacter xylinum shows vast potential as a novel wound healing system. The high mechanical strength and remarkable physical properties result from the unique nanostructure of the never-dried membrane.

This article attempts to briefly summarize the recent developments and applications of MC in the emerging field of novel wound dressings and skin substitutes. It considers the properties of the synthesized material, its clinical performance, as well as progress in the commercialization of MC for wound care products.

Efficient and inexpensive fermentation techniques, not presently available, will be necessary to produce large quantities of the polymer.