Research on Characterization and Biocompatibility of Nano-bacterial Cellulose Membrane

Bacterial cellulose membrane, possessing nanofibers, an ultrafine 3-dimensional network and proper porosity, was prepared by static culture of Acetobacter xylinum and characterized by light microscope, SEM (Scanning electron microscope) and AFM (Atomic force microscope). The results show that BC has extremely fine network of nano-structure, the pore size of freeze-dried BC is 0.6 to 2.8 mu m; the width of cellulose is 50 to 80 nm. By measuring their dry weight and wet weight, the porosities of air-dried BC and freeze-dried BC were determined, respectively. The porosity of air-dried and freeze-dried BC is about 70% and 90%, respectively. The water vapor permeability of air-dried BC is quite excellent because the existence of a large number of hydroxyl. BC co-culture with fibroblasts (FBs) and chondrocytes, respectively, and subcutaneous implant of FBs-BC composition into nude mouse. The composition is well intergrated into the skin of nude mouse. FBs and chondrocytes form continuous cell layer on the surface of BC and the expression of GFP is normally. The results demonstrate that BC membrane is suitable for cell attachment and proliferation, and shows better biocompatibility. It is expected to become a promising tissue engineering scaffold.