Scalable bacterial production of moldable and recyclable biomineralized cellulose with tunable mechanical properties

Kui Yu,Ewa M Spiesz,Srikkanth Balasubramanian,Dominik T Schmieden,Anne S Meyer,Marie-Eve Aubin-Tam

doi:10.1016/j.xcrp.2021.100464

Abstract

Sustainable structural materials with excellent impact-resistance properties are urgently needed but challenging to produce, especially in a scalable fashion and with control over 3D shape. Here, we show that bacterial cellulose (BC) and bacterially precipitated calcium carbonate self-assemble into a layered structure reminiscent of tough biomineralized materials in nature (nacre, bone, dentin). The fabrication method consists of biomineralizing BC to form an organic/inorganic mixed slurry, in which calcium carbonate crystal size is controlled with bacterial poly(γ-glutamic acid) and magnesium ions. This slurry self-assembles into a layered material that combines high toughness and high impact and fire resistance. The rapid fabrication is readily scalable, without involving toxic chemicals. Notably, the biomineralized BC can be repeatedly recycled and molded into any desired 3D shape and size using a simple kitchen blender and sieve. This fully biodegradable composite is well suited for use as a component in daily life, including furniture, helmets, and protective garments.

Highlights

Petroleum-based high-performance structural materials play a vital role in the aerospace, biomedical, construction, and automotive industries due to their low cost, excellent mechanical properties, and large production scale.[1,2,3] the manufacture and usage of such materials cause multiple irreversible damage to the environment, including accumulation of plastic waste, chemical pollution, energy wastage, and climate change.[2]
We show that bacterial cellulose (BC) and bacterially precipitated calcium carbonate self-assemble into a layered structure reminiscent of tough biomineralized materials in nature
The fabrication method consists of biomineralizing BC to form an organic/inorganic mixed slurry, in which calcium carbonate crystal size is controlled with bacterial poly(g-glutamic acid) and magnesium ions

Summary

Introduction

Petroleum-based high-performance structural materials play a vital role in the aerospace, biomedical, construction, and automotive industries due to their low cost, excellent mechanical properties, and large production scale.[1,2,3] the manufacture and usage of such materials cause multiple irreversible damage to the environment, including accumulation of plastic waste, chemical pollution, energy wastage, and climate change.[2]. Even though BC possesses good tensile strength, its toughness is not sufficient for several applications with impact-resistance requirements

Results

Discussion

Conclusion