Bacterial nanocellulose (BNC), the cellulose hydrogel produced by Acetobacter and Gluconacetobacter species, resembles plant cellulose in its chemical and elementary crystalline structure. The special physical and structural properties of BNC make it preferable for utilization in biomedicine and nanotechnology.  In particular, its use as a biomaterial for tissue implants and wound dressings has great potential and continues to be intensively studied.  We have developed methods for specific deuterium incorporation in BNC to improve its contrast in composite materials for analysis by small-angle neutron scattering.  Results from these studies provide new insights into hydrated microfibrillar structure, hydrogen bonding, and carbohydrate metabolism for cellulose synthesis.  This fundamental understanding of BNC structure and synthesis will assist manipulation of its special physical properties and determination of factors that endow it with superior biocompatibility for growth of mammalian tissues and composite materials. Deuterium-tagged BNC enables potential biological tracking for in situ biodegradation and enzymatic studies.

Deuteration of bacterial nanocellulose for structural studies

245th National Meeting (2013)

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