Removing bacteria from potable water sources is a universal challenge traditionally achieved using industrial standard cellulose filters. Here, we employ electrospun cellulose mats, ideal for filtration and separation, to elucidate variables that effect the ability of the porous sorbent to adsorb high concentrations of bacteria. Cellulose acetate (CA) solutions were electrospun and post-treated to form regenerated cellulose (RC) mats with an average fiber diameter of ~1 µm. Experimentally, the ability of the mats to adsorb the model microorganism, <i>Escherichia coli </i>K-12, out of a phosphate buffered saline solution was quantified. Systematically, changes in cellulose mat diameter, initial bacteria concentration, and state of bacteria were explored. An increase in cellulose mat diameter or an increase in initial bacteria concentration led to an increase in total bacteria collection. A dynamic model was developed from the experimental data to relate the systems variables. Our model could potentially be used to tailor nanofibrous cellulose mats to obtain the highest collection of bacteria for industrial applications.

Adsorption of bacteria into electrospun cellulose nanofiber mats: Development of a dynamic model

249th National Meeting (2015)

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