Acetobacter cellulose pellicle as a temporary skin substitute

Abstract

A bacterial strain with morphological and biochemical properties close toAcetobacter xylinum has been cultured in nonagitated, inverted sucrose- and yeast water-based medium for the production of thick, smooth, and floating cellulosic pellicles. The cellulose content (>90%, dry weight, depending on the efficiency of water washing) and theβ-d-homopolyglucan nature of these pellicles were assessed by physical, chemical, and enzymatic methods. The apyrogenic bacterial biomass, a minor component of the dried biofilm (BioFill®), is inactivated by ethylene dioxide. Once applied on exudating or bloody tissues, this biofilm displays several advantages as a biological dressing, and hence, it is valuable as a temporary skin substitute in the treatment of skin wounds, such as burns, ulcers, grafts, and as an adjuvant in dermal abrasions.