The use of bacterial nanocellulose as wound healing dressing: a scoping review

Abstract Bacterial nanocellulose (BNC) is a nanofibrillar polymer produced by aerobic bacteria of the genus Gluconacetobacter. The use of BNC as a wound dressing is a novel biotechnology and unique strategy indicated for chronic and acute wound treatment as it has a set of features that will contribute to efficient skin recovery. Studies have reported that BNC can be more effective in healing capacity when compared to other wound dressings providing benefits for the patient and the health system. Our purpose was to summarize such clinical evidences bringing studies that could support the use of BNC as a dressing in many forms and its possibilities for the future. Methods: We conducted a scoping review following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews. Databases were searched for relevant articles without restriction about publication year or period. Inclusion criteria: Articles that report the use of BNC in the healing of acute or chronic wounds through clinical tests were included in the analysis. Articles that have performed preclinical tests (in vivo and in vitro) were excluded from the analysis. Results: We have found sixteen articles using the protocol criteria. The development of the present study made possible to evaluate the extent of clinical use of the BNC dressing, through available evidences on its use for the treatment of chronic and acute wounds. When analyzing the results, it became evident that BNC is a promising biotechnological resource for the effective healing of chronic and acute wounds.