June 22nd, 2015

Iranian researchers from Shahid Beheshti University synthesized bacteria cellulose (a type of polymer) by using various carbon sources.

The cellulose was produced through a simple and economic method and can be used in medical industries, foodstuff, water and other industries after passing complementary experiments.
The cellulose made of bacteria or bacteria cellulose (for example the cellulose produced by Gluconacetobacter xylinus bacterium) is one of the biological polymers, which is a promising replacement for herbal cellulose in specific applications, including medical, cosmetics, paper, foodstuff and other applications. The unique physical, chemical, and mechanical properties of bacteria cellulose such as higher purity and crystallization and higher possibility of polymerization is the advantage of this cellulose over other types of cellulose.
The researchers expressed that they have tried in this research to use a method and formulation to produce cellulose with the desired properties. Therefore, they believe that it is possible to produce this product at a large scale.
Results of the research enable the production of nano-cellulose at lower cost with more desirable properties. In addition, this method increases the production efficiency. Foodstuff and medical industries, tissue engineering, water purification industry and the producers of composites can benefit from the results of the research.
According to the researchers, the produced bacteria cellulose has unique properties, including high purity and crystallization and three dimensional network structure. However, thermal resistance of the produced samples is variable depending on the conditions and production method.