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*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleScientificpeer-review

11 Citations (Scopus)
86 Downloads (Pure)

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.

Original languageEnglish
Article number100464
Number of pages18
JournalCell Reports Physical Science
Volume2
Issue number6
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2021

Keywords

  • bacterial cellulose
  • bio-based material
  • biofabrication
  • biomineralization
  • nacre
  • nacre-inspired materials
  • structural materials
  • sustainable materials
  • toughness

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