Bacterial Cellulose Properties and Applications

Bacterial cellulose is characterized by specific and extraordinary properties which allow applications other than those of plant cellulose. First of all, it is obtained in a highly pure form, completely free of hemicelluloses, lignin and pectins [4], making it easier to extract and purify as compared to plant cellulose [7]. 

The resistance to in vivo degradation, due to the absence of cellulases in the human body, and low solubility of BC may also be advantageous for some tissue engineering applications [65]. 

The biocompatibility and nontoxicity of BC has also been accessed, through in vitro and in vivo studies. Several reports indicated that BC is not cytotoxic to Chinese hamster 

BC can also be employed as support for enzymes and cells immobilization. Glucoamylase has been immobilized in BC beads (0.5-1.5 mm) which demonstrated to increase its stability towards pH and temperature changes [67]. Wine yeast has also been immobilized in BC, showing higher metabolic activity and resistance to imfavor-able conditions during wine fermentation in comparison with non-immobilized yeasts. In addition, the application of immobilized yeast to repeated batch fermentation in wine-making enhances the economic effectiveness of the production-line because of the cost reduction in inoculum preparation and the simple separation of yeast at the end of the fermentation [68, 69]. 

In another study, Iguchi et at described that the addition of disintegrated bacterial cellulose to wood pulp fibers allowed the creation of a paper sheet with increased tensile strength and folding endurance [19], 

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