In situ modification of bacterial cellulose nanostructure by adding CMC during the growth of Gluconacetobacter xylinus

Abstract

Many studies focus on bacterial cellulose (BC) functioning as multi-function bio-resource polymers, due to its fine fiber network, biocompatibility, high water holding capacity, and high mechanical strength. However, BC exhibits poor rehydration after drying due to its high crystallinity. This study added carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) to a BC producing culture medium, which interfered with the formation of BC structure in situ. This process created a modified BC called CBC, whose mechanical strength was found weaker than BC. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) images showed that the cellulose network in CBC became denser. X-ray diffraction and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis demonstrated that the addition of CMC reduced crystallinity. CBC also exhibited the highest rehydration ratio because of the lowest crystallinity at the 1.0% CMC addition level.