Bacterial cellulose-based materials for drug delivery in wound dressing applications

Conventional wound dressings often show limitations in addressing these challenges due to poor exudate management, limited drug delivery capabilities, and inadequate antibacterial activity. Bacterial cellulose (BC) and its derivatives have emerged as promising biomaterials for advanced wound dressing applications. These BC-based materials offer excellent biocompatibility, high water retention, superior mechanical properties, and the ability to mimic the extracellular matrix. Moreover, their integration with nanoparticles, biopolymers, and bioactive pharmaceuticals has enabled multifunctional wound dressings that promote healing, reduce infection, and support tissue regeneration. This review discusses the synthesis, properties, and biomedical potential of BC-based composites, including hydrogels, films, membranes, sponges, and microneedle systems, that can be used as drug delivery systems (DDSs) in wound management. Emphasis is placed on their role in controlled drug release, antibacterial efficacy, and bioactivity. The BC-based wound dressings can be incorporated or loaded with various bioactive agents for enhanced wound healing effects, which include excellent cell migration and proliferation, controlled drug release profile, superior antimicrobial effects, and accelerated wound recovery.