In contrast to all other cellulose types, Biotech Nanocellulose (BNC) is built up biotechnologically from low molecular weight sugars as a dimensionally stable hydrogel. That offers the unique possibility to design the surface of these hydrogel bodies directly during biosynthesis as required for the application and function as medical implants and tissue engineering scaffolds.<br/>By cell and animal studies (rat, pig, sheep) it could be demonstrated that the interaction of BNC implants and tissue engineering scaffolds with living cells as well as with body's own tissue and blood can be controlled by the nature of the BNC surfaces. Their design succeeds directly in the bioreactor and by postprocessing steps. In the order of (a) dense surface with native water film, (b) post-treated surface (roughened, partially dewatered), (c) gel-like surface with cavities and pores, and (d) perforated hydrogels increases the interaction significantly. This is very positive for an intensive cell ingrowth and for integrating the implant into the body (surfaces c, d). In case of the intergrowth with organs (e.g. abdominal hernia repair) and thrombus formation in blood contact (blood vessel implants) are surfaces type (a) required.<br/>The said surfaces can be designed at the interface to the air (a), to the liquid culture medium or else to matrix materials as metal, glass, polymer, or silicone (c) as well as by aftertreatment of the surfaces (b), or by laser perforation of the hydrogel (d). In case of the Mobile Matrix Reservoir Technology, the BNC surface design is achieved by the BNC formation on a matrix/template moving between culture solution and air. In particular, the perforation by means of laser radiation leads to interconnecting channel structures without changing the BNC own material properties.

Nanoscale natural recourses important to life: Surface design of biotech nanocellulose hydrogels for applications as medical implants and tissue engineering scaffolds

249th National Meeting (2015)

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