Testing of an artificial modified bacterial cellulose auricle skeleton in an animal model

The aim of this study was to assess whether modified bacterial cellulose can be used for an artificial auricle skeleton. Introduction: The auricle is a part of the external ear. It consists of skin, cartilage, muscles and adipose tissue. 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 the complete reconstruction of the auricle. Material and methods: A bacterial cellulose membrane, at least 25 mm in thickness, was produced in vitro by Acetobacter 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 the progression of the healing process and integration of the artificial skeleton into the animal body. There are no signs of change in the shape or structure of the skeleton. Discussion: 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, 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.