Preparation and evaluation of bacterial cellulose membrane as an alternative adherent surface material for mammalian cell culture

In mammalian cell culture, modified polystyrene (PS), polyethylene terephthalate (PET) discs are being used for adhesion of cells during packed bed fermentation. These discs are expensive, not easily available and non biodegradable. Hence, in the present study, bacterial cellulose (BC) membrane produced by Gluconacetobacter intermedius was tested as an alternative adherent surface material for anchorage dependent mammalian cell culture. The recombinant CHO cells were adhered poorly to native BC. However, charge modification of the BC carried out using 3-chloro-2-hydroxypropyl trimethyl ammonium chloride, supports CHO cell adherence, survival and proliferation. The production of recombinant erythropoietin from CHO cells adhered to modified BC was comparable to that of commercially available synthetic membranes. These results suggest potential of bacterial cellulose as an economical alternative to synthetic polymer substrate for adherent cell cultures.