Assessment of bacterial cellulose production using a novel microbe

Bacterial cellulose (BC) is a natural polymer produced by certain bacteria in the form of nanaofiber. Being a natural nanobiomaterial, it has been investigated for a broad range of applications ranging from headphone diaphragm to wound dressing and medical implant. The biochemical process for BC production using the well established bacterium, A. xylinum, is limited by the inherent kinetics and oxygen availability resulting in a relatively modest yield and high production cost. In this project, we will be investigating a recently discovered facultative bacterium for BC production. This bacterium has the potential of increasing the efficiency of BC production by more than ten folds thus significantly increase the cost effectiveness of virtually all BC applications. The BC production process will be optimized in terms of key kinetic parameters for maximum yield. Properties of the product BC nanofibers will be characterized and compared to those conventionally produced by A. xylinum.

Faculty Supervisor:

Dr. Wankei Wan

Student:

Lina Fu

Partner:

Axcelon Biopolymers Corporation

Discipline:

Engineering - chemical / biological

Sector:

Medical devices

University:

Western University