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

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.