Bacterial Cellulose

Bacterial cellulose (BC) is a general term for cellulose synthesized by certain microorganisms in the genera Acetobacter, Agrobacterium, Rhizobium and Sarcina under different conditions. BC is a new type of bio-based material and has become a new research hotspot internationally. Alfa Chemistry offers a series of BC to meet your specific needs.

Introduction

BC is a natural porous mesh nano-scale biopolymer. It is composed of unique filamentous fibers, each of which is composed of a certain number of ultra-fine fibers to form a mesh structure. BC has a milky white gel appearance and a fiber diameter between 0.01-0.10 μm. Compared with plant cellulose, BC has no accompanying products such as lignin, pectin and hemicellulose, and has high crystallinity (up to 95%, while plant cellulose is 65%) and high degree of polymerization (DP value 2000-8000).

Characteristics

BC and natural cellulose produced by plants or seaweed have the same molecular structural units, but BC have many unique properties.

• Ultra-fine mesh structure. BC is composed of microfibers with a diameter of 3-4 nanometers, which are combined into fiber bundles with a thickness of 40-60 nanometers, and are interwoven to form a developed ultra-fine network structure.
• High elastic modulus and tensile strength. The elastic modulus of BC is several to ten times that of general plant fibers, and it has high tensile strength.
• High water retention. BC has a strong water retention capacity. The water retention values (WRV) of undried BC is as high as 1000% or more, and the WRV after freeze-drying is still more than 600%. The re-swelling ability of BC in water after drying at 100 ℃ is equivalent to that of cotton linters.
• In addition, BC also has good bioaffinity, biocompatibility, biodegradability, adaptability and good mechanical toughness.

Applications

As a new type of bio-based nanomaterial, BC has been used in various fields such as biomedicine, food and beverage, textile, and cosmetics and personal care products.

Biomedicine. BC has gained significant attention in the biomedical field due to its biocompatibility, biodegradability, and low immunogenicity. It has been used in various applications such as tissue engineering, wound dressings, and drug delivery systems. Its highly porous structure allows for excellent absorption and retention of fluids, making it ideal for wound healing.

Food and beverage. BC is commonly used as a gelling agent, stabilizer, and thickening agent in food products. It can improve the texture, mouthfeel, and shelf-life of food and beverages. It is also used as food raw materials for the production of low-calorie and low-fat products.

Textile. BC is increasingly being explored as a sustainable alternative to traditional textiles. It has properties similar to cotton, such as breathability, softness, and moisture-wicking abilities. It can be used in the production of clothing, accessories, and home furnishings.

Cosmetics and personal care products. BC is a popular ingredient in skincare products, such as facial masks, moisturizers, and serums. Its ability to hold moisture and conform to the shape of the skin makes it ideal for use in beauty products. It can also improve the delivery of active ingredients to the skin.

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