title: Microbial cellulose--the natural power to heal wounds.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Technical Biochemistry, Technical University of Lodz, Stefanowskiego 4/10, Lodz 90-924, Poland. czajawoj@p.lodz.pl
authors.forename: Wojciech
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Czaja
authors.forename: Alina
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Krystynowicz
authors.forename: Stanislaw
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Bielecki
authors.forename: R Malcolm
authors.initials: RM
authors.lastname: Brown
mesh_terms: D047070:Bandages, Hydrocolloid; D001672:Biocompatible Materials / Q000737:chemistry / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001684:Biological Dressings; D002482:Cellulose / Q000648:ultrastructure; D041822:Gluconacetobacter xylinus / Q000737:chemistry*; D006801:Humans; D017768:Skin, Artificial; D014945:Wound Healing
chemical_list: D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D002482:Cellulose