Development of bacterial cellulose biomaterial: preparation and establishment of cytotoxicity for eukaryotic cells

Bacterial cellulose is a biomaterial produced by Gluconacetobacter hansenii bacteria with peculiar properties. The aim of this research was to assess three methods for washing bacterial cellulose from producer cells: 5% SDS, RIPA and RIPA with the addition of nucleases. Atomic force microscopy showed that all methods provide the removal of bacterial cells. The authors carried out a quantitative estimation of residual DNA on the bacterial cellulose matrix and demonstrated a significant difference (p < 0.05) in the DNA content between the group of RIPA with the addition of nucleases and the non-washed matrix. The authors evaluated the cytotoxicity of the extracts and the matrix of bacterial cellulose in regard to protozoa (Tetrahymena) and the mammalian cell culture (NIH/3T3), respectively. The results from the assay with the Biolat device and the MTT assay indicated that the samples are not cytotoxic. The Live/Dead assay of NIH/3T3 showed that bacterial cellulose is an adhesive matrix in regard to mammalian cells and maintains cell viability. In accordance with the authors' data, a bacterial cellulose matrix may provide with washing 5% SDS and RIPA; however, the addition of nucleases is necessary to reduce residual bacterial DNA.