The aim of this project was to develop a novel product for enhanced healing of chronic wounds based on the use of two biopolymers, bacterial cellulose and chitosan, that both possess properties which would be attractive in an advanced wound dressing. Bacterial cellulose was chosen as opposed to conventional cellulose for its purity, mechanical strength and high absorbency. Good yields of bacterial cellulose in the form of a pellicle can be produced using surface fermentation procedures. The ability of chitosan to accelerate wound healing in humans and various animals is well documented. Chitosan has also been reported to have antimicrobial activity, unique hemostatic qualities, macrophage activating properties, and to be capable of modulating fibroblast proliferation and heal wounds with minimal scar formation.

The resulting product is in the form of a flexible, drapeable gel-like material and has a water holding capacity almost three times greater than that of untreated bacterial cellulose. Studies carried out on the product indicates that it possesses the desired qualities of both biopolymers. It has an enhanced ability to take up and retain moisture with respect to conventional cotton dressings. In addition it is laterally stable during drying and has mechanical properties which are sufficient to withstand robust handling. All these properties indicate that it could be used as a moist wound dressing which is capable of taking an active role in wound healing whilst retaining its coherence and dimensional stability.

Publications

Tasker, A. (1996). PhD Thesis, University of Leeds.

UK Patent 2 314 856