Abstract
This study investigated the effect of the homogenization of bacterial cellulose particles and their reintegration into a membrane on the mechanical and physical parameters of the films produced from them in relation to films made of native cellulose (not subjected to the homogenization process). Bacterial cellulose was obtained from a culture of microorganisms forming a conglomerate of bacteria and yeast, called SCOBY. The research has shown that the mechanical modification of bacterial cellulose contributes to an increase in the elongation of the material. Modified polymer films were characterized by a higher Young’s modulus and a much higher breaking force value compared to native cellulose. The mechanical modification of cellulose contributed to an increase in hygroscopicity and changes in water vapor permeability. The obtained results may provide significant information on the methods of modifying bacterial cellulose, depending on its various applications.
Highlights
Bacterial cellulose is an exopolymer composed of β 1,4-D glucopyranose units, produced by acetic fermentation microorganisms that mainly belong to Komagataeibacter, Aerobacter, Achromobacter, and Agrobacterium [1,2]
The results presented in this paper refer to the above-mentioned assumptions; with regard to bacterial cellulose film, it is justifiable to continue research in this area
The results obtained in this study, dealing with the quality parameters of films made of bacterial cellulose, show that the mechanical modification of bacterial cellulose by the fragmentation and later reintegration of particles influences the strength parameters as well as selected physical and structural properties of this polymer
Summary
Bacterial cellulose is an exopolymer composed of β 1,4-D glucopyranose units, produced by acetic fermentation microorganisms that mainly belong to Komagataeibacter, Aerobacter, Achromobacter, and Agrobacterium [1,2]. Unlike its plant counterpart, is devoid of naturally accompanying substances, such as hemicellulose or lignin, whose separation from cellulose requires methods that often affect the structure and properties of the cellulose itself. Bacterial cellulose (BC) has shown tremendous potential as an effective biopolymer in various fields. Many interesting studies indicate the multidisciplinary possibilities of using bacterial cellulose, ranging from medicine, cosmetology, biotechnology, and environmental protection to the paper, clothing, and wood industries [1,2,3,4,5,6]. Much interesting research concerns the method of modifying bacterial cellulose in order to impart new functions, including surface functions [7,8,9]. Frone et al [7]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary 
Published Version (
Free)
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call