Civil Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
In another study, Iguchi
et al.
described that the addition of disintegrated bacterial
cellulose to wood pulp i bers allowed the creation of a paper sheet with increased ten-
sile strength and folding endurance [19].
h e properties of BC, such as the high water-retention capacity, mechanical strength
and biocompatibility encouraged also the development of several products for bio-
medical applications, especially as wound dressings (Figure 2.11) [61], temporary skin
substitutes [61] and vascular implants ( Figure 2.11 ) [8] . Bioi ll®, a temporary human
skin substitute for second and third degree burns [8], and Nexi ll®, a BC dry bandage
for burns and wounds [59], are examples of already commercialized BC products.
Furthermore, the properties of BC, namely its favorable mechanical properties, bio-
compatibility,
in situ
moldability and porosity (that favors cell proliferation), gives BC
excellent perspectives as scaf old for tissue engineering. Several works have focused
on designing ideal biomedical devices from BC, such as artii cial blood vessels [8, 71],
artii cial cornea [72], heart valve prosthesis [73], artii cial bone [74] and artii cial car-
tilage [70, 75].
BC membranes are likewise promising nanostructured topical drug release systems
for dif erent drugs or active compounds, such as lidocaine hydrochloride, ibuprofen
and caf eine, while at the same time serving as an ei cient physical barrier against any
external infection [76-78].
In a similar vein, BC has also been described as an excellent non-allergic biomaterial
for the cosmetic industry where it can be employed as facial masks for the treatment of
dry skin [79], in the formulation of natural facial scrubs [80] or as a structuring agent
in personal cleansing compositions [81].
Finally, the remarkable mechanical properties and reinforcing potential, renew-
ability, biobased nature, biodegradability and unique nanostructured porous network
of BC make it a perfect candidate for polymer and hybrid nanocomposites develop-
ment. In this sense, extensive research has been carried on the design of innovative
BC nanocomposite materials with improved and functional properties, by combination
with several natural and synthetic polymers as well as inorganic nanophases, for a wide
range of biomedical and technological applications. h is will be the object of the two
coming sections.
Figure 2.11
(a) BC dressing applied on a wounded hand (reproduced with permission from [61]);
(b) BC synthesized as tubes with dif erent diameters for potential microvessel endoprotesis (reproduced
with permission from [8]) and (c) 3D BC implant prototype for potential ear cartilage replacement
(reproduced with permission from [70]).
