Published in Scientific Works. Series C. Veterinary Medicine, Vol. LXIII, Issue 1
Written by Ioana M. BODEA, Aurel MUSTE, Giorgiana M. CĂTUNESCU, Cosmin MUREŞAN
Tissue engineering and regenerative medicine promote skin regeneration through biomaterials that are easy to provide. Lately, many studies showed that bacterial biofilms can ensure the necessary conditions for proper healing. Several bacteria (Acetobacter spp., Lactobacillus spp., Azotobacter spp.) produce extracellular polysaccharides (cellulose, kefiran, alginate) organized in biofilms with different chemical structures. All have properties that grant medical application: cartilage and bone repair, nerve surgery and arterial stent coating. Bacterial cellulose, alginate and kefiran biofilms seem to have the qualities needed as wound healing dressings, but their characteristics and availability vary widely. The aim of this study was to summarize the current state of art on bacterial biofilms to discriminate among their specific properties and application in wound healing management. The comparison was focused on obtaining techniques, physiochemical characteristics, advantages and disadvantages of use. Cellulose, alginate and kefiran showed good results in wound healing processes, but it seems that cellulose and kefiran are the most used. Biocellulose can be obtained in multiple ways (such as stationary or agitated culture) thus the protocol varies depending on available laboratory equipment. Both cellulose and kefiran have high biocompatibility, kefiran presents antimicrobial activity as well, while cellulose can incorporate drugs. Alginate has all the properties of a wound dressing material, but it is difficult to obtain. In conclusion, bacterial cellulose seems to be the most suitable for local covering of wounds. It is studied extensively on laboratory animals and it is currently used in human medicine. However, there seems to be a lack of case studies on wound management of small animals, mainly cats and dogs.
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