TY - JOUR
T1 - Scalable bacterial production of moldable and recyclable biomineralized cellulose with tunable mechanical properties
AU - Yu, Kui
AU - Spiesz, Ewa M.
AU - Balasubramanian, Srikkanth
AU - Schmieden, Dominik T.
AU - Meyer, Anne S.
AU - Aubin-Tam, Marie Eve
PY - 2021
Y1 - 2021
N2 - 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.
AB - 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.
KW - bacterial cellulose
KW - bio-based material
KW - biofabrication
KW - biomineralization
KW - nacre
KW - nacre-inspired materials
KW - structural materials
KW - sustainable materials
KW - toughness
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=85108450951&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1016/j.xcrp.2021.100464
DO - 10.1016/j.xcrp.2021.100464
M3 - Article
AN - SCOPUS:85108450951
SN - 2666-3864
VL - 2
JO - Cell Reports Physical Science
JF - Cell Reports Physical Science
IS - 6
M1 - 100464
ER -