Characterization Of Bacterial Cellulose Research Articles

Ex situ fabrication and bioactivity characterization of Neem and Sage-infused bacterial cellulose membranes for sustainable antimicrobial applications.

This study presents the ex situ development and characterization of bacterial cellulose (BC) membranes loaded with bioactive Sage and Neem extracts for enhanced antimicrobial applications. Utilizing discarded fruit waste as a cost-effective carbon source, BC production was optimized, yielding membranes with improved properties. Neem and Sage extracts, obtained via Soxhlet extraction, exhibited significant antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, with minimum inhibitory concentrations of 3.125 mg/mL and 25 mg/mL, respectively, for Neem extract, and 25 mg/mL and 50 mg/mL for Sage extract. These extracts (20 wt%) were successfully incorporated into BC membranes ex situ, resulting in BC-Neem (BC-N) and BC-Sage (BC-S) composites. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) confirmed the chemical interactions between the extracts and the BC matrix, revealing the introduction of new functional groups and enhancing the composite properties. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) illustrated changes in morphology, indicating deeper penetration and attachment of the extracts within the BC structure. Quantitative analysis of water holding capacity demonstrated that BC-N and BC-S absorbed about 90 times water of their dry weight. Antibacterial assays through the colony-forming unit method showed that BC-N significantly inhibited S. aureus growth by 78 % and E. coli by 51 %, while BC-S exhibited a 48 % reduction against S. aureus. Agar disc-diffusion assay showed the formation of inhibition zones of 1.2 cm and 0.1 cm by BC-N against S. aureus and E. coli, respectively, in contrast to 0.2 cm and no inhibition by BC-S composite. These results highlight the potential of bioactive plant extract-loaded BC membranes as effective antimicrobial agents, offering a sustainable alternative to conventional materials in medical and food packaging applications.

Efficient nata de coco production of Komagataeibacter nataicola driven by microbiota-fermented coconut water: Biological and structural characteristics

Nata de coco is a traditional fermented food, chemically known as bacterial cellulose (BC), widely used in the food industry, personal care, and biomaterial areas. In the nata de coco industry, microbiota-fermented coconut water (FCW) has been regarded as a highly efficient medium for improving BC synthesis by Komagataeibacter spp. However, its effects on the biological properties of the strains of Komagataeibacter and structural characteristics of BC remain unknown, resulting in unstable production and BC quality. This study aimed to explore the biological properties of K. nataicola, the characteristics of BC structure and reasons for the efficiency under the effect of FCW. The results showed that FCW could increase the BC yield of K. nataicola by 2.03–4.75 times, the uridine diphosphate glucose pyrophosphorylase activity by 10–45.3 times, and the hexokinase, phosphofructokinase, or pyruvate kinase activities by 2 times. The extracellular metabolite profile of K. nataicola showed that its glycolysis/gluconeogenesis pathway was significantly stimulated and the utilization of erythritol obviously increased. These phenomena might be attributed to the use of ethanol, lactate, xylitoland mannitol in FCW by K. nataicola. In addition, the structural characteristics of BC produced in FCW included higher number of hydrogen bonds, thinner fibrils, a looser three-dimensional network, improved porosity and greater mechanical strength. This study offered novel insights into the BC synthesis of K. nataicola and the BC structural characteristics cultivated in FCW, providing valuable references for the efficient production and potential applications of both nata de coco and BC.

Multifunctional engineering of Mangifera indica L. peel extract-modified bacterial cellulose hydrogel: Unveiling novel strategies for enhanced heavy metal sequestration and cytotoxicity evaluation

The escalating interest in bacterial cellulose (BC) confronts a substantial obstacle due to its biologically inert properties. Hence, BC was modified with ethanolic mango peel extract (EEMP) for various industrial and medical applications of the novel nanocomposite (BC/EEMP). High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) delineated the phenolic composition of EEMP, revealing a repertoire of polyphenolic compounds, notably chlorogenic acid, gallic acid, catechin, and ellagic acid. EEMP exhibited broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity against Candida albicans and Staphylococcus aureus, with MIC of 0.018 mg/mL and 0.009 mg/mL, respectively. The removal mechanism of Pb2+ and Ni2+ by BC/EEMP nanocomposite membrane via SEM, EDX, FT-IR, and XRD was characterized, indicating deposition and aggregation of heavy metals with diminished porosity. Heavy metal removal optimization using the Box-Behnken design achieved maximal removal of 95.5 % and 90 % for Pb2+ and Ni2+, respectively. Moreover, BC/EEMP nanocomposite demonstrated selective dose-dependent anticancer activity toward hepatoma (HepG-2, IC50 of 208.8 μg/mL), skin carcinoma (A431, IC50 of 216.7 μg/mL), and breast carcinoma (MDA, IC50 of 197.5 μg/mL), attributed to the enhanced availability of biologically active polyphenolic compounds and physical characteristics of BC. This study underscores the remarkable potential of BC/EEMP nanocomposite for multifaceted industrial and biomedical applications, marking a pioneering contribution to the field.

Bacterial cellulose biosynthesis: Optimization strategy using iranian nabat industry waste

Bacterial cellulose (BC) is a biopolymer has found extensive applications across different fields due to its nanostructure and biomaterial performance. This study focused on optimizing yield of BC produced by Komagataeibacter xylinus CH1, isolated from kombucha SCOBY. The study aimed to use Nabat industry waste (NIW) as a cost-effective alternative carbon source for submerged fermentation. To optimize the fermentation criteria, the central composite design was used with the inoculation amount (1.5–4.5 % VV−1), NIW (0–1%), and fermentation time (3–7 days) as independent variables. The impressive results indicated the yield was enhanced up to 45.543 gL-1 at 3.013 % VV−1 of inoculation, 0.516 % NIW, and 7 days of stirred fermentation. SEM, XRD, FTIR, and TGA were applied to evaluate the characteristics of freeze-dried BC, such as the three-dimensional, porous structure, crystalline peaks, amorphous haloes, and thermal stability. The physicochemical properties of BC including high moisture content (93.022 ± 0.472 %), water absorption rate (569.473 ± 3.739 %), water-holding capacity (1333.016 ± 3.680 %), porosity (166.247 ± 2.055 %), and low water activity (0.296 ± 0.030 %) were achieved. Rheological properties of BC suspensions showed that G′ dominated over G″, with tan δ values lower than 1. These characteristics indicate NIW and stirred fermentation conditions are a promising method for producing BC in high yield.

Preparation and characterization of bacterial cellulose by kombucha using corncob

Preparation and characterization of bacterial cellulose by kombucha using corncob

Production of bacterial cellulose-based peptidopolysaccharide BC-L with anti-listerial properties using a co-cultivation strategy

Bacterial cellulose (BC) has been found extensive applications in diverse domains for its exceptional attributes. However, the lack of antibacterial properties hampers its utilization in food and biomedical sectors. Leucocin, a bacteriocin belonging to class IIa, is synthesized by Leuconostoc that demonstrates potent efficacy against the foodborne pathogen, Listeria monocytogenes. In the current study, co-culturing strategy involving Kosakonia oryzendophytica FY-07 and Leuconostoc carnosum 4010 was used to confer anti-listerial activity to BC, which resulted in the generation of leucocin-containing BC (BC-L). The physical characteristics of BC-L, as determined by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), were similar to the physical characteristics of BC. Notably, the experimental results of disc diffusion and growth curve indicated that the BC-L film exhibited a potent inhibitory effect against L. monocytogenes. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed that BC-L exerts its bactericidal activity by forming pores on the bacterial cell wall. Despite the BC-L antibacterial mechanism, which involves pore formation, the mammalian cell viability remained unaffected by the BC-L film. The measurement results of zeta potential indicated that the properties of BC changed after being loaded with leucocin. Based on these findings, the anti-listerial BC-L generated through this co-culture system holds promise as a novel effective antimicrobial agent for applications in meat product preservation and packaging.

Production and characterization of bacterial cellulose by Rhizobium sp. isolated from bean root

Bacterial cellulose (BC) is a natural polymer renowned for its unique physicochemical and mechanical attributes, including notable water-holding capacity, crystallinity, and a pristine fiber network structure. While BC has broad applications spanning agriculture, industry, and medicine, its industrial utilization is hindered by production costs and yield limitations. In this study, Rhizobium sp. was isolated from bean roots and systematically assessed for BC synthesis under optimal conditions, with a comparative analysis against BC produced by Komagataeibacter hansenii. The study revealed that Rhizobium sp. exhibited optimal BC synthesis when supplied with a 1.5% glucose carbon source and a 0.15% yeast extract nitrogen source. Under static conditions at 30 °C and pH 6.5, the most favorable conditions for growth and BC production (2.5 g/L) were identified. Modifications were introduced using nisin to enhance BC properties, and the resulting BC-nisin composites were comprehensively characterized through various techniques, including FE-SEM, FTIR, porosity, swelling, filtration, and antibacterial activity assessments. The results demonstrated that BC produced by Rhizobium sp. displayed properties comparable to K. hansenii-produced BC. Furthermore, the BC-nisin composites exhibited remarkable inhibitory activity against Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. This study contributes valuable insights into BC’s production, modification, and characterization utilizing Rhizobium sp., highlighting the exceptional properties that render it efficacious across diverse applications.

Production and characterization of bacterial cellulose from kombucha-fermented soy whey

Bacterial cellulose (BC) is a high-strong cellulose with high-purity produced by bacteria. The aim of this study was to explore the feasibility of using tofu soy whey as a novel and cheap culture medium to produce bacterial cellulose (BC) through the fermentation of kombucha. In this study, the statistical optimization of the culture medium for producing BC from kombucha was carried out by selecting different parameters. A three-level, three-factor Box-Behnken design (BBD) was used to determine the optimal levels for three significant variables (sucrose addition, kombucha inoculation amount and fermentation temperature). According to the results, the optimal fermentation conditions were found as follows: sucrose addition 8.5%, kombucha inoculation amount 10%, fermentation temperature 32℃, the BC yield can be up to 4.20 g/100 mL (D.W) under 11d fermentation. Besides, the BC was determined with strong tensile strength and water absorption capacity. By scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observation, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) determination, BC produced by soy whey and Hestrin-Schramm (HS) medium were compared. The results showed that BC produced from soy whey has a typical cellulose structure, characteristic peaks of typical functional groups of cellulose, and crystal diffraction peaks of type I natural cellulose. In conclusion, this study utilized the nutrients in the soy whey to obtain a high yield of bacterial cellulose, make full use of industrial waste water, which was more environmentally friendly and cheaper.Graphical

Production and Characterization of bacterial cellulose from Komagataeibacter xylinus S4 strain

Production and Characterization of bacterial cellulose from Komagataeibacter xylinus S4 strain

Optimization Production and Characterization of Bacterial Cellulose from Cornhusk

<div><table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tbody><tr><td align="left" valign="top"><p class="StyleE-JOURNALAbstrakKeywordsBold">Cornhusks are agricultural wastes with low economic value that will cause environmental pollution if not appropriately handled. Cornhusk waste can be processed as raw material for bacterial cellulose (nata) since it contains 44% cellulose. This study aims to optimize bacterial cellulose production from cornhusks and determine the effect of cornhusk mass and fermentation duration on the characteristics of the nata produced. The primary process for producing bacterial cellulose from cornhusks was fermentation by Acetobacter xylinum. The nata characterization carried out in this study includes thickness, yield, crude fiber, and moisture content, as well as statistical analysis to determine whether there was significant effect of variations in cornhusk mass and fermentation duration on bacterial cellulose production. Based on the results of optimizing the production of nata from cornhusks, the optimal mass of cornhusks was of 25 grams with fermentation duration of 17 days. Based on the characterization and data analysis results, variation on the cornhusks mass and duration of the fermentation had a significant effect on fiber content, yield, and tensile strength of bacterial cellulose from cornhusks. On the other hand, the variations on cornhusks mass and the duration of fermentation did not significantly affect the moisture content and thickness of bacterial cellulose from cornhusks.</p></td></tr></tbody></table></div>

Bacterial cellulose grown from kombucha: Assessment of textile performance properties using fashion apparel tests

Bacterial cellulose (BC) has been suggested as a sustainable alternative textile for apparel. Previous studies have evaluated the production of BC sheets and the suitability of these to form garment shapes. The laboratory measured physical performance characteristics of BC from an apparel perspective remain relatively unexplored. The aim of this study was to produce reproducible sheets of BC, enabling the evaluation of the performance of the BC in an apparel textile testing context, and comparison to other textile materials. Grown in sterile black tea with glucose, the BC presented as a mesh of non-woven nanofibers, and thus comparison was made with three non-woven fabrics. It has also been suggested that BC could be used as ‘vegetable’ leather; therefore, performance comparisons were conducted with animal skins. Utilizing British, European and International standard test methods, the selected fabrics were evaluated for their performance in tensile, elongation, moisture vapor permeability and abrasion tests, relevant for an apparel end-use. Tensile strength testing revealed that BC is weaker than its animal counterparts but does display similar physical characteristics at the point of failure; however, it displayed a higher tensile strength than the non-woven fabrics chosen for comparison. BC was the least breathable and most moisture-retentive of all the fabrics tested, raising questions regarding its suitability and comfort for apparel applications in its untreated state. However, BC displayed superior performance when tested for resistance to abrasion, suggesting it could be best utilized in the form of encapsulated patches in items subjected to this type of damage.

Characterization of bacterial cellulose nanofibers/soy protein isolate complex particles for Pickering emulsion gels: The effect of protein structure changes induced by pH

In this work, the influence of soy protein isolated at different pH values (1–9) on the self-assembly behaviors of bacterial cellulose nanofibers/soy protein isolate (BCNs/SPI) colloidal particles via anti-solvent precipitation were investigated. The results showed that the formation of BCNs/SPI at pH values of 1–5 was mainly driven by electrostatic interaction, while the formation of those at pH values of 5–9 was driven by weak molecular interactions including hydrogen bonding and steric-hindrance effect. The FTIR demonstrated that the conformation of protein involved a transition from order to disorder at the level of secondary structure as pH values were away from the isoelectric point. The fluorescence spectroscopy and UV–vis adsorption spectroscopy indicated that hydrophobic region of SPI at pH value of 5 displayed more exposed as compared with that at pH values away from the isoelectric point. The changes in structure conformation of SPI induced by pH values led to the changes in properties of the BCNs/SPI colloidal particles including particle size, microstructure, crystallinity, hydrophily, thermal stability, and rheological properties. Furthermore, the structures of BCNs/SPI colloidal particles at different pH values significantly affected the stability of Pickering emulsion gels stabilized by the corresponding complex colloidal particles. This study provided a theoretical basis for the design of food-grade Pickering emulsion gels stabilized by BCNs/SPI complex colloidal particles.

Effect of co-culture of Komagataeibacter nataicola and selected Lactobacillus fermentum on the production and characterization of bacterial cellulose

Using pre-fermented coconut water brings about a high yield of bacterial cellulose (BC) from Komagataeibacter strains in food industry, but the production is unstable and even risky. Therefore, finding a controllable and high-yield production mode of BC is necessary. Our previous study has showed that Lactobacillus is one of the dominant genera in pre-fermented coconut water. Based on this, the effect of co-culture of K. nataicola and 17 coconut-sourced Lactobacillus spp. strains on the production of BC was investigated in this study. Results suggested that co-culture of K. nataicola and Lactobacillus spp. strains had varied effects on the production of BC. Co-culture of K. nataicola Q2 and L. fermentum SR can effectively improve the production of BC via affecting the formation of β-1,4-glucan chains and crystallization of microfibrils. Moreover, direct and indirect pathways were involved in promoting the formation of β-1,4-glucan chains in the co-culture system. The co-culture of K. nataicola Q2 and L. fermentum SR led to the production of BC membrane with higher crystallinity but lower thermal degradation, hardness, adhesiveness, and water holding capacity. This research provides a reference for realizing controllable increase of BC production and modification of BC.

Preparation, Characterization of Bacterial Cellulose and Chlordiazepoxide Tablets for Oral Drug Delivery

Bacterial cellulose (BC) is a highly purified form of cellulose that offers several benefits, including an ultrafine fiber network, a high water retention capacity, and simple fabrication into desired forms. There has been a recent uptick in BC’s focus on drug delivery for biomedical applications. Studies on prodrug design, controlled-release methods, and pill coating have all been conducted for BC. This research was done to determine if BC might be employed as a medication carrier in chemical and biological formulations. BC microparticles laden with the medication were produced via grinding. Clordiazepoxide hydrochloride (CDP) was used to test the microparticles’ drug loading and release capabilities. Particle morphologies, drug loading efficiency, loaded drug physical state, and drug release behavior were all assessed for the manufactured microparticles. Amorphous microparticles were formed from BC microparticles. An scanning electron microscope (SEM) study found that the microparticles had a nearly round form with an average diameter of 400–500 μm. Drug loading was greater in the renewed BC microparticles (37.57 ± 0.22%) when the concentration of drugs was held constant at 10%. More than 85% of the medication was delivered for all formulations in the first 30 minutes.

Regulating the structure of bacterial cellulose by altering the expression of bcsD using CRISPR/dCas9

Gluconacetobacter xylinus is a primary strain producing bacterial cellulose (BC). In G. xylinus, BcsD is a subunit of cellulose synthase and is participated in the assembly process of BC. A series of G. xylinus with different expression levels of the bcsD gene were obtained by using the CRISPR/dCas9 technique. Analysis of the structural characteristics of BC showed that the crystallinity and porosity of BC changed with the expression of bcsD. The porosity varied from 59.95%-84.05%, and the crystallinity varied from 74.26%-93.75%, while the yield of BC did not decrease significantly upon changing the expression levels of bcsD. The results showed that the porosity of bacterial cellulose significantly increased, while the crystallinity was positively correlated with the expression of bcsD, when the expression level of bcsD was below 55.34%. By altering the expression level of the bcsD gene, obtaining BC with different structures but stable yield through a one-step fermentation of G. xylinus was achieved.

Static Culture Combined with Aeration in Biosynthesis of Bacterial Cellulose.

One of the ways to enhance the yield of bacterial cellulose (BC) is by using dynamic aeration and different-type bioreactors because the microbial producers are strict aerobes. But in this case, the BC quality tends to worsen. Here we have combined static culture with aeration in the biosynthesis of BC by symbiotic Medusomyces gisevii Sa-12 for the first time. A new aeration method by feeding the air onto the growth medium surface is proposed herein. The culture was performed in a Binder-400 climate chamber. The study found that the air feed at a rate of 6.3 L/min allows a 25% increase in the BC yield. Moreover, this aeration mode resulted in BC samples of stable quality. The thermogravimetric and X-ray structural characteristics were retained: the crystallinity index in reflection and transmission geometries were 89% and 92%, respectively, and the allomorph Iα content was 94%. Slight decreases in the degree of polymerization (by 12.0% compared to the control―no aeration) and elastic modulus (by 12.6%) are not critical. Thus, the simple aeration by feeding the air onto the culture medium surface has turned out to be an excellent alternative to dynamic aeration. Usually, when the cultivation conditions, including the aeration ones, are changed, characteristics of the resultant BC are altered either, due to the sensitivity of individual microbial strains. In our case, the stable parameters of BC samples under variable aeration conditions are explained by the concomitant factors: the new efficient aeration method and the highly adaptive microbial producer―symbiotic Medusomyces gisevii Sa-12.

GROWING MATERIALS: EXPLORING NEW DESIGN PRACTICES TOWARDS A SUSTAINABLE FASHION SECTOR

Today, sustainability is an imperative for industry, in all its sectors. The common focus is on achieving development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the future of the Planet and its People. In the field of fashion and textiles, this momentum toward sustainability translates also into an embryonic process of transformation of the material dimension. This positive transformation is characterized by the choice of new textile solutions supported by growing investments, radical experimentation, and a strong commitment to sustainability. Within this framework, there is a growing interest in bio-based materials, not only from material engineering experts, but also from designers who are starting to explore the possibilities offered by these materials through experiments more focused on design and aesthetics. According to the presented scenario, the proposed article investigates how to strategically implement the systematization of experiments in order to promote the development of an efficient and effective production chain for the growth of bacterial cellulose (BC). To do so, the authors will draw on the knowledge reservoir produced by the De- FORMA project - of which they are all members. This project has just initiated experimentation around the systematization of growth processes and characterization of bacterial cellulose. Specifically, the materials and methods used during the project's initial research phases will be here introduced and illustrated.

Properties of Bacterial Cellulose and Its Nanocrystalline Obtained from Pineapple Peel Waste Juice

Bacterial cellulose is a type of biopolymers and has a magnitude of applications in food, paper, and textile industries, and as a biomaterial in cosmetics and medicine. Whilst, nanocrystalline cellulose is a kind of renewable and biocompatible nanomaterials that can find the vast application in biotechnology, medicine, and various technical areas. Bacterial cellulose and its nanocrystalline can be obtained by utilizing the agricultural waste. This work is focused on the characterization of bacterial cellulose and its nanocrystalline isolated from bacterial cellulose produced by using pineapple peel waste juice as a culture medium. Fourier-transform infrared analysis toward the original bacterial cellulose and nanocrystalline cellulose indicated that both have the same chemical composition, however they have differences in crystallinity. The X-ray diffraction showed that both bacterial cellulose and nanocrystalline cellulose have a polymorph structure of cellulose I. The original BC has more the allomorph structure of Iα with crystallinity index of 74%, but after hydrolysis process to become nanocrystalline cellulose has more the allomorph structure of Iβ with crystallinity index of 89%. The nanocrystalline cellulose has a morphology of needle-like structure, with an average diameter and length of 25±11 and 325±182 nm, respectively. The thermal stability of nanocrystalline cellulose is found to be higher than the original bacterial cellulose.

Preparation and Characterization of Bacterial Cellulose From Culturation of Acetobacter Xylinum In Coconut Water Media

This study aims to analyze bacterial cellulose obtained from culturing Acetobacterxylinum in coconut water media. Coconut water media is obtained from coconut water waste in existing traditional markets. The resulting nata de coco purified with a 1% (w / v) solution of sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and 1% (v / v) acetic acid (CH3COOH). The preparation process, bacterial cellulose in the form of thin sheets, is dried under the sun or in an oven at 60 ° C; after drying, it is mashed in a blender until a solid powder is obtained. The resulting bacterial cellulose then characterized using Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR), Thermo Gravimetric Analysis (TGA), and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). The results of FTIR analysis showed that the cellulose obtained derived from microorganism activity; TGA analysis showed that the weight loss was 9.2%; this indicates the hydrophilic nature of cellulose. SEM analysis shows that bacterial cellulose’s surface morphology looks very dense and dense; this shows the characteristic properties of bacterial cellulose.

Bacterial Cellulose Retains Robustness but Its Synthesis Declines After Exposure to a Mars-like Environment Simulated Outside the International Space Station.

Cellulose is a widespread macromolecule in terrestrial environments and a major architectural component of microbial biofilm. Therefore, cellulose might be considered a biosignature that indicates the presence of microbial life. We present, for the first time, characteristics of bacterial cellulose after long-term spaceflight and exposure to simuled Mars-like stressors. The pristine cellulose-based pellicle membranes from a kombucha microbial community (KMC) were exposed outside the International Space Station, and after their return to Earth, the samples were reactivated and cultured for 2.5 years to discern whether the KMC could be restored. Analyses of cellulose polymer integrity and mechanical properties of cellulose-based pellicle films, as well as the cellulose biosynthesis-related genes' structure and expression, were performed. We observed that (i) the cellulose polymer integrity was not significantly changed under Mars-like conditions; (ii) de novo cellulose production was 1.5 times decreased in exposed KMC samples; (iii) the dry cellulose yield from the reisolated Komagataeibacter oboediens was 1.7 times lower than by wild type; (iv) there was no significant change in mechanical properties of the de novo synthesized cellulose-based pellicles produced by the exposed KMCs and K. oboediens; and (v) the gene, encoding biosynthesis of cellulose (bcsA) of the K. oboediens, was downregulated, and no topological change or mutation was observed in any of the bcs operon genes, indicating that the decreased cellulose production by the space-exposed samples was probably due to epigenetic regulation. Our results suggest that the cellulose-based pellicle could be a good material with which to protect microbial communities during space journeys, and the cellulose produced by KMC members could be suitable in the fabrication of consumer goods for extraterrestrial locations.