Biofunctionalization of Bacterial Cellulose with FucoPol Enhances Keratinocyte Activity and Wound Closure

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Tissue Engineering
• Wound Healing

Background:

• Bacterial cellulose (BC) is a biocompatible polymer with desirable wound dressing properties but lacks inherent bioactivity.
• Effective wound care necessitates dressings that protect wounds and actively promote regeneration.
• FucoPol (FP), a bioactive polysaccharide, possesses wound-healing and antioxidant properties.

Purpose of the Study:

• To functionalize bacterial cellulose (BC) membranes with FucoPol (FP) to create advanced bioactive wound dressings.
• To evaluate the impact of FP impregnation on the structural and biological properties of BC membranes.
• To assess the therapeutic potential of BC/FP membranes in promoting wound healing.

Main Methods:

• BC membranes were functionalized via impregnation with an FP solution.
• Structural properties (crystallinity, water-holding capacity) of BC and BC/FP membranes were analyzed.
• Biological properties, including keratinocyte proliferation, metabolic activity, and wound closure, were evaluated.
• In vitro assays were used to assess cell proliferation and metabolic activity.

Main Results:

• FP impregnation reduced BC crystallinity and water-holding capacity.
• BC/FP membranes demonstrated enhanced biological properties compared to neat BC.
• Significant promotion of keratinocyte proliferation and metabolic activity was observed with BC/FP membranes.
• Accelerated wound closure was achieved with BC/FP membranes (28.3 ± 7.5% at 24 h).

Conclusions:

• FP-functionalized BC membranes are promising bioactive wound dressings.
• These materials exhibit enhanced therapeutic potential for wound management, especially in early stages.
• The combination of BC and FP offers a viable strategy for developing advanced wound healing solutions.