Bacterial Cellulose Membrane for Varicose Ulcer Treatment

Could Bacterial Cellulose Be the Future of Varicose Ulcer Treatment?

Lena Voss in Health & Wellness December 2025 • 4 min read.

"A randomized controlled trial explores the effectiveness of bacterial cellulose membranes in treating chronic venous ulcers, offering new hope for a common and debilitating condition."

Chronic venous disease (CVD) in the lower limbs is a widespread issue, stemming from malfunctioning vein valves and impacting blood flow. Affecting a significant portion of the population, particularly women, CVD can lead to serious complications, diminish quality of life, and trigger psychological distress. Open ulcers, classified as CEAP 6, represent the most severe manifestation of this condition.

Traditional treatments for chronic venous ulcers (CVU) often involve expensive materials that are not readily accessible. This is especially true within healthcare systems with budget constraints. However, bacterial cellulose (BC) membranes, derived from sugarcane molasses, offer a promising alternative. Developed at the Experimental Station of Sugar Cane in Carpina (EECC), Federal University of Pernambuco, Brazil, BC has demonstrated non-toxic and biocompatible properties suitable for tissue remodeling.

A recent study delved into the efficacy of BC membrane dressings in treating chronic varicose ulcers of the lower limbs. This article will explore the study's findings, highlighting the potential of BC as a cost-effective and efficient treatment option.

Bacterial Cellulose Membranes: A New Hope for Healing?

Bacterial Cellulose Membrane for Varicose Ulcer Treatment

The study was a prospective, randomized, controlled intervention, researchers evaluated 25 patients with CVD ulcers (CEAP 6) in their lower limbs. Participants were treated at the Angiology and Vascular Surgery Service of the Clinics Hospital of the Federal University of Pernambuco (HC/UFPE) and the Salgado Polyclinic.

The patients were divided into two groups: an experimental group treated with BC membrane dressings and a control group receiving conventional treatment with triglyceride oil, a common reference treatment for varicose ulcers. The researchers followed the patients for 120 days.

Reduced Wound Area: Both groups experienced a reduction in wound area over the 120-day study period.
No Adverse Reactions: Neither group reported infections or adverse reactions to the treatments.
Pain Reduction: Patients in the BC group reported decreased pain and discontinued analgesic use earlier than the control group.

The study concluded that BC membranes could be used as a dressing for treating varicose ulcers of the lower limbs. The membranes offer several potential benefits and represent a promising avenue for future wound care.

The Future of Wound Care?

The study highlights the potential of bacterial cellulose membranes as a practical and effective alternative for treating chronic venous ulcers. This is especially significant considering the limitations and high costs associated with traditional treatments.

Further research can explore structural modifications to BC membranes to optimize their properties, such as increasing water absorption and antimicrobial activity. Combining BC with controlled-release systems for antibiotics or other active ingredients could also enhance its therapeutic effects.

The bacterial cellulose membrane presents ideal properties for wound dressings. It maintains humidity, absorbs excess fluids, limits infection, and protects against mechanical trauma. This innovative material offers a promising alternative for treating chronic varicose ulcers of the lower limbs, potentially improving patient outcomes and reducing healthcare costs.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1590/0100-69912017001011, Alternate LINK

Title: Efficacy Of Bacterial Cellulose Membrane For The Treatment Of Lower Limbs Chronic Varicose Ulcers: A Randomized And Controlled Trial

Subject: Surgery

Journal: Revista do Colégio Brasileiro de Cirurgiões

Publisher: FapUNIFESP (SciELO)

Authors: Luciana Marins Cavalcanti, Flávia Cristina Morone Pinto, Glícia Maria De Oliveira, Salvador Vilar Correia Lima, José Lamartine De Andrade Aguiar, Esdras Marques Lins

Published: 2017-02-01

Everything You Need To Know

What are chronic venous ulcers, and why are they a problem?

Chronic venous ulcers (CVU) are open sores that develop on the lower legs and feet due to poor blood flow caused by chronic venous disease (CVD). CVD arises from malfunctioning vein valves, leading to blood pooling in the legs. This can cause discomfort, reduce the quality of life, and may lead to psychological distress. CVUs, classified as CEAP 6, represent the most severe stage, often requiring advanced treatment. The study highlights the need for effective treatments for this condition.

What is bacterial cellulose, and how is it used in treating ulcers?

Bacterial cellulose (BC) membranes are a potential solution for treating chronic venous ulcers because they are derived from sugarcane molasses. BC offers non-toxic and biocompatible properties, making it suitable for tissue remodeling. The study from the Experimental Station of Sugar Cane in Carpina (EECC), Federal University of Pernambuco, Brazil found that BC membranes could be a promising alternative to conventional treatments. The membranes’ effectiveness in reducing wound area, decreasing pain, and the absence of adverse reactions make them a valuable option for wound care.

How was the study designed to compare treatments?

The study compared two groups: an experimental group using bacterial cellulose (BC) membrane dressings and a control group receiving conventional treatment with triglyceride oil. Both groups had chronic venous ulcers (CEAP 6) in their lower limbs. The study monitored the patients for 120 days, assessing wound area reduction, adverse reactions, and pain levels. This comparison allows researchers to evaluate the efficacy and advantages of BC membranes compared to existing treatments, providing valuable insights into their potential.

What were the main results of the study on bacterial cellulose membranes?

The main findings of the study included a reduction in wound area in both the bacterial cellulose (BC) group and the control group using conventional treatment. However, patients in the BC group reported decreased pain and discontinued analgesic use earlier. Notably, there were no reported infections or adverse reactions in either group. These outcomes suggest that BC membranes are effective in promoting wound healing and alleviating pain in chronic venous ulcer treatment.

Why is bacterial cellulose considered a promising treatment option?

The significance of bacterial cellulose (BC) membranes lies in their potential to revolutionize chronic venous ulcer treatment. Traditional treatments are often costly and not easily accessible. BC membranes, offer a cost-effective alternative. The study's positive outcomes, including reduced wound area and pain, highlight their potential as a practical and efficient treatment option, especially in healthcare systems with budget constraints. The membranes can improve patient outcomes and reduce the burden of this condition.