Bacterial cellulose membrane enriched with fibroblast growth factor associated with photobiomodulation: In vitro evaluation

One promising skin substitutes in the wound healing are the bacterial cellulose membranes (BCM). These biomaterials present nanostructures composed of microfibrils capable of forming three-dimensional pores that allow cell. In association with these biopolymers, several treatments are used, such as enrichment by growth factors and/or the application of photobiomodulation (PBM). Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the viability, proliferation and cytotoxicity of a BCM (culturing of Komagataeibacter xylinus), with or without FGF-2 in association with PBM therapy. In the characterization of BCM we saw that the membrane does not show great variations in pH and with the scanning electron microscopy it was possible to observe that the BCM has a denser and a porous side that allows the adhesion of fibroblasts, confirmed by histological staining and DAPI/Phalloidin. In vitro evaluation showed that the immunofluorescence (CaAM/EthD-1) for live and dead cells presented, in the groups with combined treatment at long-term of PBM and FGF-2, a greater quantity of live cells than with these isolated treatments and/or at short-term. However, in the short-term of combined treatment PBM and FGF-2 supplementation, fibroblasts and macrophages were more viable by Alamar Blue, in direct and indirect contact respectively. The comet assay did not show cytotoxicity for DNA damage in fibroblasts indirect contact with membrane extract. The results highlight the potential of association of FGF-2 supplementation with the application of PBM for use with BCM, due to its promoted increased cell density at long-term and improved viability in fibroblasts and macrophages at short-term.