Bacterial nanocellulose: A sustainable alternative to forest resource consumption

Cellulose is the most abundant organic polymer on Earth, primarily found in the cell walls of plants. However, the increasing demand for cellulose in the paper, textile, and biomaterials industries has led to the search for more sustainable alternative sources. One of the most promising options is bacterial cellulose, a biopolymer produced by certain bacteria that offers unique properties and a more environmentally friendly manufacturing process.

How Is Bacterial Cellulose Produced?

Bacterial cellulose is primarily synthesized by bacteria of the Komagataeibacter genus. These bacteria are commonly found in fermented foods such as vinegar, coconut cream, kombucha, and rotten fruit. They can oxidize alcohols, aldehydes, sugars, or sugar alcohols into acetic acid in the presence of oxygen.

The synthesis of bacterial cellulose begins inside the bacterial cell. The cellulose chains then pass through cellular pores and are secreted into the extracellular environment, where they aggregate to form microfibrils. These microfibrils organize into three-dimensional network structures, creating a highly porous matrix known as bacterial nanocellulose. As a result, a hydrogel with high porosity and flexibility is obtained.

The final structure of the hydrogel can be modified by adjusting the composition of the culture medium, temperature, and the presence of additives, allowing its mechanical and functional properties to be tailored for different applications. Moreover, controlling these parameters facilitates the production of materials with specific characteristics for use in regenerative medicine, cosmetics, and other industrial sectors.

What Makes Bacterial Cellulose Such an Interesting Polymer?

Like plant-derived cellulose, this polymer is biocompatible and biodegradable. However, it differs from cellulose extracted from plant matrices in several key aspects:

• High purity: It does not contain lignin or hemicellulose, which are present in plant-derived cellulose and require aggressive chemical processes for removal.
• Nanofibrillar structure: Its interwoven nanofibrils provide high mechanical strength and flexibility.
• High water retention capacity: It can absorb large amounts of water without losing its structure.
• Biocompatibility and biodegradability: It does not trigger adverse reactions in living organisms, making it ideal for biomedical applications.
• Transparency and flexibility: These properties make it attractive for cosmetic and biotechnology applications.

What Environmental Benefits Does It Offer Compared to Forest-Derived Cellulose?

Currently, plant cellulose production involves deforestation and the intensive use of water and chemicals for pulp processing. In contrast, bacterial cellulose is obtained through a fermentation process with a lower environmental impact, making it a sustainable and renewable alternative. Additionally, its production can be optimized by using agro-industrial waste as a carbon source, further reducing its ecological footprint.

Applications of Bacterial Nanocellulose

Thanks to its unique properties, bacterial cellulose has multiple applications, particularly in the medical, cosmetic, and textile industries.

Medical Applications

• Wound healing: Used in dressings and membranes for wound and burn treatment, as it promotes tissue regeneration and maintains a moist environment conducive to healing.
• Implants and tissue regeneration: Its biocompatibility makes it ideal for developing biomaterials in tissue engineering.
• Drug delivery vehicle: Its nanoporous structure allows its use in controlled drug release systems.

Cosmetic Applications

• Facial masks and hydrating products: Its water retention capacity makes it ideal for skincare products, providing prolonged hydration.
• Replacement for synthetic polymers: It can substitute synthetic ingredients in cosmetic formulations, reducing the chemical load on the skin and the environment.
• Support in active cosmetics: It can act as a base for the gradual release of active ingredients in beauty products.

Textile Applications

• Innovative textile fiber: Bacterial cellulose can be used to develop biodegradable and sustainable textile fibers, reducing reliance on forest-derived cotton.
• Fabric reinforcement: Its mechanical strength enhances the durability and quality of fabrics without compromising their lightness.
• Smart coatings: Its structure can be functionalized with nanoparticles or specific active agents to provide antibacterial, antifungal, or thermoregulatory properties to garments.

Conclusion

Bacterial cellulose represents an ecological and functional alternative to forest-derived cellulose, with innovative applications in medicine, cosmetics, and textiles. Its sustainable production and advanced properties position it as a key material for developing more efficient and environmentally friendly products. As research in this field progresses, its use could expand even further, solidifying its role as a fundamental resource in the bioeconomy of the future.

Source

AIMPLAS blog, press release, 2025-02-25.

Supplier

AIMPLAS (Asociación de Investigación de Materiales Plásticos y Conexas)

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