Bacterial cellulose: the unique value of nanoscale three-dimensional network structure

What is bacterial cellulose?

Bacterial Cellulose ( BC ) is a high-purity cellulose produced by specific microorganisms (such as Gluconacetobacter xylinus , etc.) under contamination conditions through fermentation. Compared with traditional plant cellulose, bacterial cellulose does not contain impurities such as lignin and hemicellulose, and the fibers are arranged in order and have higher crystallinity, so they have natural advantages in physical properties and functionality.

The principle of formation of nanoscale three-dimensional network structure

One of the core characteristics of bacterial cellulose is its nanoscale three-dimensional network structure that is automatically formed during growth. The formation of this structure originates from the conversion of carbon sources such as glucose into a single cellulose microfiber filament with a diameter of about 20 to 100 nanometers through extracellular synthesis pathways, and is continuously superimposed and interwoven on the surface of the growth liquid, ultimately constructing a highly ordered, continuous and porous three-dimensional mesh membrane.

This self-assembly characteristic makes bacterial cellulose naturally have uniform nanoscale, extremely high specific surface area and porosity, which is different from plant nanocellulose dispersed from physical and chemical machinery, and is purer and has a consistent morphology.

Core advantages brought by nano-level three-dimensional networks

1. The porosity of
the high specific surface area and porous bacterial cellulose network can usually reach 60%~90% , and the specific surface area is high, which is conducive to adsorption, carrier fixation, substance exchange and breathability.

2. Excellent mechanical properties
Nanofibers are uniformly interwoven into a continuous network, giving the film good tensile strength and toughness, and still maintaining a stable morphology in wet state.

3. Excellent moisture absorption and water retention performance
. The rich spaces and hydrophilicity of the network structure ensures its excellent water absorption and moisturizing ability. It is especially suitable for medical dressings, tissue engineering and other scenarios that require a humid environment.

4. The fiber diameter of the highly transparent
bacterial cellulose film is much smaller than the visible light wavelength, and the fibers are arranged uniformly, which can effectively reduce light scattering. The prepared hydrogel film or dry film has excellent transparency.

5. Easy to functionalize and composite.
This three-dimensional network provides a rich fixation site for subsequent loading of drugs, metal nanoparticles, enzymes or other active ingredients, and can be used to prepare multifunctional composite materials.

Application scenario: Make the three-dimensional network structure shine

Medical biological materials

Wet dressings: High water retention and breathability accelerate wound healing;

Artificial skin and tissue engineering scaffolds: A three-dimensional network can simulate extracellular matrix and promote cell adhesion and proliferation.

Food and packaging

Food plastic wrap: can form a highly barrier, degradable protective layer;

Food additives: As a low-calorie thickener and dietary fiber supplement.

Functional Materials

Battery separators and supercapacitors: porous network facilitates ion conduction and improves energy storage efficiency;

Filtration and adsorbent materials: High specific surface area improves the removal ability of pollutants or harmful substances.

The potential for sustainable development

With the continuous maturity of biofermentation technology and post-treatment technology, bacterial cellulose can accurately adjust the density, porosity and thickness of the network structure by controlling culture conditions (such as carbon source type, pH , temperature, stirring, etc.), and further match different application needs. In the future, nano-level three-dimensional network structure will become an important basis for bacterial cellulose to continue to make efforts in biomedical, flexible electronics, food packaging and other fields.

As a natural bio-based nanomaterial, the unique nano-level three-dimensional network structure of bacterial cellulose not only creates its excellent physical properties and biocompatibility, but also provides a broad space for the development and application of green and high-performance materials.

Nanjing Tianlu Nano Technology Co., Ltd. focuses on the research and development and large-scale production of bacterial cellulose and various nanocellulose products. It has mature fermentation and purification technology and customized modification capabilities. It widely serves many fields such as medical materials, functional membranes, food additives, and energy devices.
In the future, Nanjing Tianlu will continue to deepen its bio-based materials innovation and work with more partners to explore the infinite possibilities of nano-level three-dimensional network structure in emerging industries.