Effects of different extracellular matrices and growth factor immobilization on biodegradability and biocompatibility of macroporous bacterial cellulose

Abstract

To improve the biocompatibility of bacterial cellulose hydrogel (BCHG), different extracellular matrices (ECMs; collagen, elastin, and hyaluronan) and growth factors (B-FGF, H-EGF, and KGF) were immobilized onto macroporous BCHG. The microstructure of BCHG had inter-connective channels that were well-integrated with the alginate gel. The alginate gel formed a semi-penetrate hydrogel that allowed the ECM and growth factor to diffuse under physiological conditions. The H-EGF and collagen-modified BCHG supported the growth of human skin fibroblast. The improved BCHG was biocompatible and exhibited desirable skin substitute characteristics that could be used as a deliver vehicle for therapeutic compounds during wound healing.