Biofabricating Three-Dimensional Bacterial Cellulose Composites Using Waste-Derived Scaffolds
Microorganisms metabolising low-value carbon sources can produce a diverse range of bio-based and biodegradable materials compatible with circular economy principles. One such material is bacterial cellulose (BC), which can be obtained in high purity through the fermentation of sweetened tea by a Sy...
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MDPI AG
2025-06-01
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| Series: | Applied Sciences |
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| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/15/12/6396 |
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| author | Jula Kniep Manu Thundathil Kurosch Rezwan Ali Reza Nazmi |
| author_facet | Jula Kniep Manu Thundathil Kurosch Rezwan Ali Reza Nazmi |
| author_sort | Jula Kniep |
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| description | Microorganisms metabolising low-value carbon sources can produce a diverse range of bio-based and biodegradable materials compatible with circular economy principles. One such material is bacterial cellulose (BC), which can be obtained in high purity through the fermentation of sweetened tea by a Symbiotic Culture of Bacteria and Yeast (SCOBY). In recent years, there has been a growing research interest in SCOBYs as a promising solution for sustainable material design. In this work, we have explored a novel method to grow SCOBYs vertically using a waste-based scaffold system. Waste sheep wool and cotton fabric were soaked in a SCOBY infusion to serve as scaffolds, carrying the infusion and facilitating vertical growth through capillary forces. Remarkably, vertical membrane growth up to 5 cm above the liquid–air interface (LAI) was observed after just one week. Membranes with different microstructures were found in sheep wool and cotton, randomly oriented between the scaffold fibre, resulting in a high surface area. This study demonstrated that vertical growth in scaffolds is possible, proving the concept of a new method of growing composite materials with potential high-value applications in biomedicine, energy storage, or filtration. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-e71419e4e4134a048a2b239ed0eaaf32 |
| institution | OA Journals |
| issn | 2076-3417 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-06-01 |
| publisher | MDPI AG |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Applied Sciences |
| spelling | doaj-art-e71419e4e4134a048a2b239ed0eaaf322025-08-20T02:24:39ZengMDPI AGApplied Sciences2076-34172025-06-011512639610.3390/app15126396Biofabricating Three-Dimensional Bacterial Cellulose Composites Using Waste-Derived ScaffoldsJula Kniep0Manu Thundathil1Kurosch Rezwan2Ali Reza Nazmi3Advanced Ceramics, Universität Bremen, 28359 Bremen, GermanySchool of Product Design, University of Canterbury, Private Bag 4800, Christchurch 8140, New ZealandMAPEX—Center for Materials and Processes, University of Bremen, 28334 Bremen, GermanySchool of Product Design, University of Canterbury, Private Bag 4800, Christchurch 8140, New ZealandMicroorganisms metabolising low-value carbon sources can produce a diverse range of bio-based and biodegradable materials compatible with circular economy principles. One such material is bacterial cellulose (BC), which can be obtained in high purity through the fermentation of sweetened tea by a Symbiotic Culture of Bacteria and Yeast (SCOBY). In recent years, there has been a growing research interest in SCOBYs as a promising solution for sustainable material design. In this work, we have explored a novel method to grow SCOBYs vertically using a waste-based scaffold system. Waste sheep wool and cotton fabric were soaked in a SCOBY infusion to serve as scaffolds, carrying the infusion and facilitating vertical growth through capillary forces. Remarkably, vertical membrane growth up to 5 cm above the liquid–air interface (LAI) was observed after just one week. Membranes with different microstructures were found in sheep wool and cotton, randomly oriented between the scaffold fibre, resulting in a high surface area. This study demonstrated that vertical growth in scaffolds is possible, proving the concept of a new method of growing composite materials with potential high-value applications in biomedicine, energy storage, or filtration.https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/15/12/6396bacterial celluloseSymbiotic Culture of Bacteria and YeastSCOBYthree-dimensional growthlocal waste streamsbiomaterial scaffold |
| spellingShingle | Jula Kniep Manu Thundathil Kurosch Rezwan Ali Reza Nazmi Biofabricating Three-Dimensional Bacterial Cellulose Composites Using Waste-Derived Scaffolds Applied Sciences bacterial cellulose Symbiotic Culture of Bacteria and Yeast SCOBY three-dimensional growth local waste streams biomaterial scaffold |
| title | Biofabricating Three-Dimensional Bacterial Cellulose Composites Using Waste-Derived Scaffolds |
| title_full | Biofabricating Three-Dimensional Bacterial Cellulose Composites Using Waste-Derived Scaffolds |
| title_fullStr | Biofabricating Three-Dimensional Bacterial Cellulose Composites Using Waste-Derived Scaffolds |
| title_full_unstemmed | Biofabricating Three-Dimensional Bacterial Cellulose Composites Using Waste-Derived Scaffolds |
| title_short | Biofabricating Three-Dimensional Bacterial Cellulose Composites Using Waste-Derived Scaffolds |
| title_sort | biofabricating three dimensional bacterial cellulose composites using waste derived scaffolds |
| topic | bacterial cellulose Symbiotic Culture of Bacteria and Yeast SCOBY three-dimensional growth local waste streams biomaterial scaffold |
| url | https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/15/12/6396 |
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