1. Introduction

Bacterial Cellulose ( BC ) is a natural nanofiber material synthesized in situ by specific microorganisms through fermentation. With its highly regular three-dimensional nanonetwork structure, excellent mechanical properties, biocompatibility and engineering features, BC is gradually becoming one of the most promising basic platforms in modern medical materials.

With the aging of the population, the growing demand for chronic wound treatment, and the accelerated development of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine, medical materials are rapidly upgrading from ' traditional passive materials ' to ' functional, intelligent, and bionic ' . Bacterial cellulose can play a key role in providing core material support for the next generation of medical devices and biomedical systems.

(Note: Nanjing Tianlu Nanotechnology Co., Ltd. has long been engaged in the research and development of nanocellulose materials and medical material systems, and participates in promoting the technology transformation of BC in the medical field.)

2. Key material scientific properties of bacterial cellulose

1. Nanoscale three-dimensional network structure (3D Nano-Network)

The fiber diameter of BC is usually 20-100 nm . It is a natural cross-linked network composed of highly crystalline cellulose chains. Its microstructure has:

High specific surface area (conducive to cell adhesion, protein immobilization, and drug adsorption)

Nanoscale pore distribution (can regulate liquid absorption and penetration)

ECM- like (extracellular matrix) topological features, suitable for tissue engineering use

This structure lays the physical foundation for bacterial cellulose as a ' biomimetic material ' .

2. High mechanical strength and wet stability (Superior Wet-Mechanical Strength)

Compared with most natural polymer hydrogels, bacterial cellulose has extremely high wet strength:

The wet tensile strength is significantly higher than that of alginate and gelatin hydrogels

Maintains high flexibility and tear resistance in wet state

Mechanical properties can be controlled by fermentation conditions (e.g. fiber density, lamellar structure)

Making it an ideal material for load-bearing or adherent medical devices such as artificial skin and artificial blood vessels.

3. Precise engineering control (Processability & Tunability)

By adjusting the fermentation system, carbon source supply, oxygen transfer, and culture mode, it can be achieved:

Thickness adjustment: from tens of microns to several millimeters

Porosity and fiber density control

Layered structure design (layer-by-layer superposition, orientation control)

In -situ Shaping : The required shape can be generated directly in the mold

This high degree of controllability is extremely advantageous in tissue engineering scaffolds and personalized medical devices.

4. Biocompatibility and low immune response

BC is entirely composed of cellulose and does not contain lignin, hemicellulose and other impurities. It can avoid irritation and immune reactions to the greatest extent, including:

Friendly to skin and soft tissue

In vitro cell proliferation assay shows good cytocompatibility

Does not adhere to bacteria and has low risk of infection

This makes it safe for use in open wounds and in vivo implantation research.

3. Cutting-edge applications of bacterial cellulose in the medical field

1. High-end moist healing dressing

BC -based dressings achieve through their high water content and stable moist microenvironment:

Quick pain relief

Prevent the dressing from adhering to the wound surface

Control exudate and moisture balance

Promote cell migration and healing

It can be used to treat many types of wounds, such as burns, postoperative wounds, chronic ulcers, and diabetic feet.

2. Artificial skin and biological replacement skin system (Bioengineered Skin)

Based on its structural similarity to ECM , BC can be used as a basic membrane scaffold for skin tissue engineering, with:

collagen

hyaluronic acid

Antimicrobial peptides

growth factors

After compounding, it can be used to repair skin defects, cover burns, promote skin regeneration, etc.

3. Artificial blood vessels and vascular tissue engineering

Bacterial cellulose is one of the most promising small-diameter artificial blood vessel materials in academia and industry. Its advantages include:

Wet mechanical properties are close to natural blood vessels

Smooth inner wall reduces thrombosis and turbulence

Designable blood vessel wall thickness and pore size

Long-term stability and low immune response

It is an important research direction for cardiovascular implant materials in the future.

4. Cartilage and bone tissue engineering

Through the controllability of BC ’s structure and ingredients, it is possible to develop:

Cartilage scaffold (matches cartilage elastic modulus)

Bone repair composite scaffold (combined with calcium phosphate and hydroxyapatite)

Joint surface lubrication bionic material

BC as a scaffold material can promote cell adhesion, proliferation and tissue regeneration.

5. Controlled drug release and intelligent drug delivery system

Thanks to its porous network structure, BC can be used for:

Antibiotic sustained release patch

Anti-inflammatory drug controlled release system

Oral ulcer medication film

Ophthalmic sustained release materials

Its hydrogel system can further achieve ' responsive release ' ( pH , temperature, enzyme triggering) through cross-linking or compounding.

4. Key technology trends of bacterial cellulose medical materials

Future innovation directions for BC medical materials include:

1. Functionalization

Such as: antibacterial nanosilver, ZnO , growth factors, immune regulatory molecule complex.

2. Micro-structuring

Including micro-channel structure, micro-patterned surface, and bionic texture design.

3. 3D printing and in-situ construction (3D Bioprinting)

BC microfiber slurry is an important research direction as a printable bioink.

4. Smart wearable medical materials

Utilize BC 's humidity response and electrical modification potential to develop wound monitoring or smart dressings.

5. Long-term stability and degradation control of implantable BC in vivo

Achieve controlled degradation or enhance tissue integration through chemical modification.

V. Conclusion

As a naturally formed nanofiber network biomaterial, bacterial cellulose shows extremely high application potential and scientific research value in the medical field. From basic wound care to high-end regenerative medicine, artificial organ construction, and intelligent medical systems, BC is gradually becoming a core component in promoting technological innovation in medical materials.

In the future, with further breakthroughs in structural regulation, functional compounding and biomanufacturing technology, bacterial cellulose will play a key role in a wider range of medical scenarios, accelerating the comprehensive upgrade of medical materials from ' traditional ' to ' advanced ', ' intelligent ', and ' bionic ' .