In vitro biodegradability of bacterial cellulose by cellulase in simulated body fluid and compatibility in vivo

Bacterial cellulose (BC) has great potential for use as a tissue scaffold due to its unique structure and properties including high tensile strength and good biocompatibility. However, poor biodegradability of BC in the human body may be a key disadvantage limiting its application in the field. In this paper, we developed a simple absorption method to prepare biodegradable cellulase/BC materials. The morphology, structure, degradation ratio and mechanical properties during the degradation process were characterized and investigated. In vitro studies reveal that the BC material degraded gradually in simulated body fluid within 24 weeks and the degradation rate could be adjusted by modulating the cellulase content. The mechanical properties indicate the cellulase/BC material could maintain tensile strength for as long as 24 days during the degradation process. Muscle-derived cells were seeded on the cellulase/BC material to evaluate the cytotoxicity, using LIVE/DEAD^® viability/cytotoxicity assay and H&E staining. In vivo biocompatibility was evaluated by subcutaneous implantation using a dog model for 1, 2, 3 and 4 weeks. These results demonstrate that the cellulase/BC material had good in vitro and in vivo biocompatibility.