In this presentation we summarize a fruitful collaboration between Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana in Colombia, Aalto University in Finland and NC State University in the US. Relevant aspects in this collaboration will be highlighted as an example of effective cross-fertilization of ideas. More importantly, we will discuss the utilization of a cellulose-producing acetic acid bacterium discovered by collaborators in Medellin and isolated from commercially available Colombian homemade fruit vinegar, <i>Gluconacetobacter medellinensis sp. nov</i>. The bacterial cellulose was utilized in the in-situ production of composites with polyvinyl alcohol that displayed enhanced thermo-mechanical properties compared to the individual components and that was assisted by physical and chemical crosslinking. The development of organic-inorganic hybrids as well as superhydrophobic materials will be highlighted as well as the deployment of BC for nutrient enrichment and affinity bioseparation. The spectrum of products based on BC will be finally illustrated in the development of materials with purposes in art and design, taking advantage of films and aerogel forms. A common thread to be discussed was the deployment of surface chemistry concepts to maximize the intrinsic properties and possible functions of BC.

Bacterial cellulose research experience between Colombia, Finland, and the US

249th National Meeting (2015)

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