In this work, we present our recent progress on the development of versatile and simple manufacturing techniques using superhydrophobized molds for the synthesis of bacterial nanocellulose (BC) in 3 dimensions (3D). This biobased material produced by bacteria is a highly attractive platform for many applications given its unique properties, which include: high purity, mechanical and chemical resistances, and outstanding biocompatibility. We base our 3D manufacturing techniques on the use of hydrophobic particles to stabilize the air-water interface of the bacterial culture medium in which the BC is self-assembled. For improving the simplicity of mold manufacturing and for optimizing homogeneity and versatility of the final BC objects, we tested different fabrication materials and methods for the superhydrophobized molds. Furthermore, we used gravimetric analysis of BC objects produced using molds of different heights and volumes to evaluate the effect of hydrostatic pressure and nutrients depletion on the yield of the biofabrication. The effect of the hydrostatic pressure on the resolution of the final BC objects was also investigated by using image analysis as well as theoretical insights from wetting physics pertaining to capillary intrusion. The results from this work bring new insights into the versatile and facile biofabrication of 3D nanocellulosic objects, and are expected to broaden the multitude of possible applications for BC.

3D bacterial cellulose biofabrication using superhydrophobized molds: Fundamentals and opportunities

2019 Spring National Meeting

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