Bacterial nanocellulose as a versatile scaffold for biomedical applications: synthesis, functionalization, and future prospects

Abstract

Bacterial nanocellulose (BNC) consists of nanofibres of cellulose randomly entangled during their synthesis by particular bacterium cells during fermentation. Thus, it may be regarded as a unique three-dimensional of pure cellulose that is consolidated during the generation of the fibres by their microbiological factories. The metabolic synthesis and purification processes are approached, underscoring its potential as an ideal template for the production of biomedical composite solutions, based on its inherent nano-driven assets. Also, BNC properties can be greatly enhanced by the incorporation of bioactive substances, which may be inorganic or organic, leading to the formulation of superior wound dressings and implants. In wound dressings, the most relevant agents encompass silver and copper nanoparticles, curcumin, and hyaluronic acid. BNC implants cover several organs such as blood vessels, heart valves, nerve scaffolds, cornea, tympanic membranes, vocal cords, bone, cartilage, dental structures, contrast and drug delivery agents. The functionalization of BNC with iron oxide nanoparticles, graphene, alginate, chitosan, silk fibroin, or bone morphogenetic protein 2 human in implants allows the enhancement or mimicking of mechanical properties, cell migration, proliferation, differentiation, and biocompatibility. This highlights the potential of using BNC as a scaffold for biomedical applications, offering a compelling alternative to petrochemical-based biomaterials.