Gluconacetobacter xylinum (G. xylinum), a gram-negative bacterium that secretes crystallized cellulose microfibrils with 40-50nm widths was subsequently employed as a nanorobot to auto-fabricate novel materials by regulated movements on patterned templates. A new fabrication process for cellulose nano-fibers was proposed based on the advanced bio-manufacturing technology. Through the combination of biotechnology and nanotechnology and using Gluconacetobacter xylinum as a nano-size robot for molecular assembly, movement of microorganism in micro- or nano scale was induced via microflow-control, molecular template and fine groove structures. Moreover, the novel bacterial cellulose/polyaniline (BC/PANI) composites and BC whisker/ Poly (N-isopropylacrylamide- co- butylmethacrylate) (BC/PNB) nanogel complex have been in situ nano-assembled. The well-patterned materials have great potential utility in tissue engineering and opto-electrical materials. This approach provides an important scientific basis for constructing multi-level and super-fine bionic medical materials or anisotropic multi-component precise photo-electronic materials through the movement of microorganism.

Controllable bio-fabrication based on Gluconacetobacter xylinum: From microbes to functional cellulose materials

243rd National Meeting (2012)

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.