Systematic review uncovers 299 alternative substrates for bacterial cellulose production

In a significant advancement for sustainable industrial practices, a team of international researchers have conducted a systematic review, uncovering 299 alternative substrates across 12 industries for the production of bacterial cellulose, a versatile biomaterial used in various sectors including food, textiles, and medicine.

Led by Luis Quijano from Queensland University of Technology, the study presents a comprehensive analysis of bacterial cellulose production, moving away from the traditional Hestrin-Schramm (HS) media, which, despite its efficiency, poses challenges in terms of cost and scalability. The review suggests that by selecting appropriate media and substrates, bacterial cellulose production can be optimized for sustainability and reduced material loss, leading to increased output. The work is published in the Journal of Bioresources and Bioproducts.

The researchers systematically compared 101 bacterial cellulose-producing strains, identifying methodological gaps and highlighting the potential of alternative substrates. Their findings indicate that alternative substrates not only promise to be more cost-effective but also have the potential to yield higher outputs than HS media.

The review underscores the need for sustainable systems and supply chains, where waste is minimized, and energy efficiency is optimized. The authors call for further research and development to enhance the processability of bio-based polymers and to reduce production costs, ensuring that bacterial cellulose can become a competitive and eco-friendly alternative to conventional plastics.

Quijano and colleagues’ work is a significant stride towards the commercial viability of bacterial cellulose, aligning with global sustainability goals. The review emphasizes the potential of interdisciplinary collaboration to address the challenges and unlock the full potential of bacterial cellulose in various industrial applications.