Bacterial cellulose composites: Synthetic strategies and multiple applications in bio‐medical and electro‐conductive fields

Abstract

Bacterial cellulose (BC), owing to its pure nature and impressive physicochemical properties, including high mechanical strength, crystallinity, porous fibrous structure, and liquid absorbing capabilities, has emerged as an advanced biomaterial. To match the market demand and economic values, BC has been produced through a number of synthetic routes, leading to slightly different structural features and physical appearance. Chemical nature, porous geometry, and 3D fibrous structure of BC make it an ideal material for composites synthesis that successfully overcome certain deficiencies of pure BC. In this review, we have focused various strategies developed for synthesizing BC and BC composites. Reinforcement materials including nanoparticles and polymers have enhanced the antimicrobial, conducting, magnetic, biocompatible, and mechanical properties of BC. Both pure BC and its composites have shown impressive applications in medical fields and in the development of optoelectronic devices. Herein, we have given a special attention to discuss its applications in the medical and electronic fields. In conclusion, BC and BC composites have realistic potential to be used in future development of medical devices, artificial organs and electronic and conducting materials. The contents discussed herein will provide an eye-catching theme to the researchers concerned with practical applications of BC and BC composites.

Bacterial Cellulose as a Raw Material for Food and Food Packaging Applications

“…In agitated cultivation, oxygen is continuously mixed into the medium, so the BC is produced with enhanced yield compared with static culture, which contributes to cost reduction (Ul-Islam et al, 2015). The agitated fermentation process may lead to several forms of cellulose, from fibrous suspension to spheres and pellets (Esa et al, 2014), the shape and size depending on the applied rotational speed (Ul-Islam et al, 2015).…”

“…An alternative type of fermentation reactor is airlift bioreactor, in which oxygen is continuously transferred from the bottom of the reactor to the culture medium, providing a suitable oxygen supply (Ul-Islam et al, 2015). The process is more energy efficient and involves less shear stress when compared to stirred-tank reactors (Wu and Li, 2015).…”

The Nanofication and Functionalization of Bacterial Cellulose and Its Applications

“…It is difficult to form spheres with a rotational speed less than 100 rpm; irregular shapes are observed. Moreover, this method allows a low degree of polymerization, crystallinity, and problematic mechanical properties [45][46][47]. Numerous studies have demonstrated that an agitated/shaken culture may be the most appropriate mode for economic production despite the above-mentioned drawbacks [48].…”

Merging Biology and Solid‐State Lighting: Recent Advances in Light‐Emitting Diodes Based on Biological Materials

“…Unlike wood‐based cellulose fibers, the BC nanofibers show various unique properties, namely, (i) high degree of polymerization and crystallinity leading to CTE < 20 ppm K −1 , (ii) tensile strengths of 200–300 MPa, and (iii) Young's modulus up to 78 GPa, resulting in a 8‐fold stronger than stainless steel material. The interested readers can find more information about this material and its application in the following review …”