Functionalized Bacterial Cellulose for Medical Tissue Engineering

The document explores the advancements in functionalizing bacterial cellulose (BC) for medical tissue engineering, emphasizing its superior mechanical strength, nanoscale porosity, and biocompatibility. Despite lacking inherent antimicrobial properties, BC's potential is enhanced through composite integration with materials like metal nanoparticles and organic macromolecules, improving antimicrobial efficacy and wound healing. Various modification methods, including physical, chemical, and biological approaches, are discussed, each offering unique benefits and challenges. BC's applications in skin, bone, and blood vessel engineering are highlighted, with innovations like conductive hydrogels and BC-hydroxyapatite composites enhancing tissue regeneration and antimicrobial properties. The document underscores the need for multidisciplinary approaches to optimize BC's properties for advanced biomedical applications, addressing challenges such as stability, scalability, and cytotoxicity.