A new composite biomaterial production based on bacterial cellulose containing keratin, its characterization and research of application potential for using bioartificial skin development

In this thesis, a new natural biocomposite production has been done by combining bacterial cellulose (BC) produced by Acetobacter xylinum with keratin protein isolated from human hair. Two different composite production approaches have been used named as in situ production and post modification. Both two methods have yielded successful results for production of BC based nanocomposite-containing keratin. Keratin isolation from human hair has been performed with Shindai method. BC modifications have been made using 1, 2, 3 % w/v keratin for in situ production and 0,1 ml/cm2 keratin (3,66 mg/ml) for post modification. A new biocomposite materials have been investigated for surface properties, appearence, elemental analysis, chemical bond structure, cytotoxicity and endotoxicity. Human skin fibroblast and keratinocyte cells coculture interaction have been investigated by using in vitro animal cell culture techniques for the assessment of application potential of the new BC/keratin composites as bioartificial skin. Combining of BC with keratin have been provided a new composite biomaterial production which could have high potential for bioartificial skin by supporting skin cells. Keywords: Bacterial cellulose, keratin, hair, skin, composite biomaterials