Open Access

ARTICLE

The Future of Bacterial Cellulose and Other Microbial Polysaccharides

by

Institute of Chemistry, São Paulo State University, UNESP, CP 355, 14801-970 Araraquara-SP, Brazil

* Corresponding Author:

Journal of Renewable Materials 2013, 1(1), 28-41. https://doi.org/10.7569/JRM.2012.634104

Received 15 October 2012; Accepted 23 October 2012;

Abstract

Biobased polymers have been gaining the attention of society and industry because of concerns about the depletion of fossil fuels and growing environmental problems. Cellulose fi bers are one of the most promising biopolymers to be explored as a component of composite materials with emergent properties for new applications. Bacterial Cellulose (BC), a special kind of cellulose produced by microorganisms, is endowed with unique properties. In this context, this perspective offers an overview about the properties of BC that would enable it to become a commodity. This includes an appraisal of the current BC market, as compared with other available biopolymers. The steps of the biosynthesis and purifi cation of BC are also outlined, together with the diffi culties that may be responsible for its future development, including the needs for making its production process(es) more attractive to industry. Other microbial polysaccharides are also discussed.

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Keywords

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