JeNaCell GmbH

JeNaCell GmbH is a German biotechnology company based in Jena, Germany, that develops and produces high-quality products based on biosynthetic cellulose, a nature-inspired material with a bioengineered architecture generated by bacteria. The company was originally founded in 2012 as a spin-off from the Friedrich Schiller University of Jena. In 2017, JeNaCell launched its first product, epicite®, a medical wound dressing based on biosynthetic cellulose for the treatment of burns, surgical and chronic wounds. Evonik acquired JeNaCell in 2021 following prior investment, and JeNaCell now operates as an Evonik company. JeNaCell's core expertise lies in biosynthetic cellulose, a material produced by bacteria (mainly acetic acid bacteria) that forms a three-dimensional network of cellulose fibers holding a large amount of water. Unlike plant cellulose, biosynthetic cellulose is highly pure, containing no byproducts such as lignin or hemicellulose. It typically consists of around five percent cellulose and 95 percent water, making it a hydrophilic biomaterial often referred to as a hydropolymer. The material offers mechanical stability and thermal stability up to 300°C, and can be customized into various forms and shapes. The company serves customers in the medical device, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries. Its portfolio around biosynthetic cellulose includes four brands for different application areas: wound dressings for chronic and slow-healing wounds, wound dressings for post-treatment care in medical aesthetics, wound dressings for advanced burn treatment, and a biosynthetic cellulose base material for custom developments. JeNaCell also provides services in process and product design, leveraging its expertise in biosynthetic cellulose and its network of academic and industrial partners to create innovative, tailor-made products. Based in Jena, Germany, JeNaCell's interdisciplinary team of specialists in biochemistry, pharmacy, and biotechnology advances applications of this versatile material platform for medical devices, implants, drug delivery, and professional skin care. The company is a regular guest and exhibitor at trade shows and scientific congresses around the globe. As part of Evonik, JeNaCell continues to grow its team and expand its product and service portfolio.

JeNaCell GmbH was originally founded in 2012 as a spin-off from the Friedrich Schiller University of Jena in Germany. The company was established to commercialize biosynthetic cellulose, a bioengineered material produced by bacteria. In 2017, JeNaCell launched its first product, epicite®, a medical wound dressing based on biosynthetic cellulose for the treatment of burns, surgical and chronic wounds. This marked a significant milestone in translating the material platform into a commercial medical device. Evonik acquired JeNaCell in 2021 following prior investment, integrating the company into its larger specialty chemicals and materials portfolio. Since the acquisition, JeNaCell has continued to operate from its lab and production facilities in Jena, Germany, advancing applications of biosynthetic cellulose for medical devices, implants, drug delivery, and professional skin care. The company has expanded its brand portfolio to include four brands covering different application areas: chronic wound care, medical aesthetics post-treatment care, advanced burn treatment, and a base material for custom developments. JeNaCell remains a regular exhibitor at global trade shows and scientific congresses, and its interdisciplinary team continues to grow.

• 2021

  Evonik acquired JeNaCell following prior investment.

• 2017

  Launched first product epicite®, a medical wound dressing based on biosynthetic cellulose.

• 2012

  JeNaCell founded as a spin-off from Friedrich Schiller University of Jena, Germany.

A solution provider for large-scale manufacturing of biosynthetic cellulose, serving medical device, wound care, and advanced dermatology markets as an Evonik company.

• epicite®

  Medical wound dressing based on biosynthetic cellulose for the treatment of burns, surgical and chronic wounds.

• Wound dressings for chronic & slow healing wounds

  Wound dressings designed for the treatment of chronic & slow healing wounds.

• Wound dressings for post-treatment care in medical aesthetics

  Wound dressings designed for post-treatment care in medical aesthetics.

• Wound dressings for advanced burn treatment

  Wound dressings designed for advanced burn treatment.

• Biosynthetic cellulose base material

  Biosynthetic cellulose base material for custom developments.

1. 1JeNaCell - a solution provider for large-scale manufacturing of biosynthetic cellulose - Evonik Industriesjenacell.com
2. 2About us - Evonik Industriesjenacell.com
3. 3Services - Evonik Industriesjenacell.com
4. 4Our Brands - Evonik Industriesjenacell.com
5. 5JeNaCell GmbH - Wikidatawikidata.org