Heat, sun exposure, or the continuous use of air conditioning can promote skin dehydration in the months following summer. In this context, AIMPLAS is researching the potential of bacterial cellulose, a 100% natural biopolymer produced by certain bacteria, to develop innovative facial masks based on biologically derived and renewable hydrogels capable of acting as vehicles for the incorporation of active ingredients intended for skin care.
Bacterial cellulose is synthesized mainly from bacteria of the genus Komagataeibacter, commonly found in fermentation processes associated with products such as vinegar, kombucha, or coconut cream. During growth, these microorganisms generate a three-dimensional network of intertwined nanofibers that yields a flexible, strong material capable of retaining large amounts of water. Thanks to this structure, bacterial cellulose easily adapts to the face, creating a ‘second skin’ effect that favors its use as a carrier for active cosmetic ingredients in cosmetic applications.
As explained by María José de Manuel, a Biotechnology researcher at AIMPLAS, “bacterial cellulose holds very interesting properties for developing more sustainable and high-performance cosmetic products. Its extraordinary water-retaining capacity, along with its flexibility and adaptation to the skin, make it an ideal material for producing facial masks and as a support for the incorporation of cosmetic active ingredients.”
Bacterial cellulose stands out for its flexible structure and high water retention capacity, characteristics that make it a material of great interest for cosmetic applications. In addition, since these are made with a biodegradable material free of synthetic fibers, they represent a more environmentally friendly alternative to conventional products.
Much more than a facial mask
The possibilities of bacterial cellulose go beyond the cosmetic realm. Thanks to its biocompatibility, its high water absorption capacity, and its nanostructured porous architecture, this material shows great potential for medical applications related to skin care and recovery.
In this sense, it can be used in the development of dressings and patches for burns, treatments for wounds and ulcers, or supports capable of incorporating active ingredients for controlled release. Moreover, its properties favor applications related to tissue regeneration and the development of new biomaterials for the healthcare field.
“The versatility of bacterial cellulose allows the development of innovative solutions for both skin care and biomedical applications. It is a naturally derived, biodegradable material with properties that are highly attractive for the development of sustainable high-value-added products,” said María José de Manuel.
A natural material with a lower environmental impact
Cellulose is the planet’s most abundant organic polymer and has traditionally been obtained from plant sources. However, bacterial cellulose represents an innovative biological-origin alternative that can be produced through fermentation processes with lower consumption of forest resources.
Additionally, it exhibits high purity, since it does not contain lignin or hemicellulose, components present in plant cellulose whose removal requires additional treatments. Added to this are other characteristics such as biodegradability, flexibility, transparency, and an extraordinary ability to absorb and retain water.
These properties make bacterial cellulose a material of great interest for the development of new solutions in diverse sectors such as cosmetics, medicine, and biotechnology.
With the development of these materials, AIMPLAS continues to push forward research in advanced biomaterials that help create more innovative, functional, and environmentally friendly products, meeting the evolving needs of sectors such as cosmetics and health.
