The testing of an artificial modified bacterial cellulose auricle skeleton in an animal model

Abstract

The intention of these study was assess if the modified bacterial cellulose can be used as an artificial auricle skeleton. Introduction: The auricle is one part of the external ear. It consists of skin, cartilage muscles and adipose tissue, wherein the cartilage gives shape to the structure There are several indications for reconstruction, such as congenital anomalies, mechanical injuries and burns, and a range of methods have been proposed for complete reconstruction of the auricle. Matherial and methods: A bacterial cellulose membrane at least 25 mm in thickness was produced in vitro by Actobacter xylinum culture. The entire artificial human auricle skeleton was made to scale to allow its implantation into an animal model Wistar rats Forty rats were divided into four groups of 10 animals. Each group was assigned a different resection time: 14 days, 30 days, 90 days or 720 days. After each resection, an examination of the artificial skeleton and the tissues surrounding it was conducted. The surgical procedure was based on the Nagata technique Results: Resection after 14 , 30 , 90 and 720 days shows progression of healing process and integration of artificial skeleton in to the animal body. There are no signs of shape change and deterioration of the skeleton. Disscusion: Several surgical techniques and biotechnological methods have been developed over the past few years to improve the results of facial reconstruction. Other approaches can be used to create auricle cartilage which are based on scaffolds and chondrocytes. Conclusion: My findings indicate that modified bacterial cellulose can be used to form an effective artificial auricle which appears to maintain its shape and elasticity, with no signs of degradation being observed.