Scalable bacterial production of moldable and recyclable biomineralized cellulose with tunable mechanical properties

Journal Article (2021)
Author(s)

K. Yu (Kavli institute of nanoscience Delft, TU Delft - BN/Marie-Eve Aubin-Tam Lab)

E.M. Spiesz (Kavli institute of nanoscience Delft, TU Delft - BN/Marie-Eve Aubin-Tam Lab)

Srikkanth Balasubramanian (Kavli institute of nanoscience Delft, TU Delft - Materials and Manufacturing, TU Delft - BN/Marie-Eve Aubin-Tam Lab)

Dominik Schmieden (Kavli institute of nanoscience Delft, TU Delft - BN/Marie-Eve Aubin-Tam Lab)

Anne S. Meyer (University of Rochester)

M.E. Aubin-Tam (TU Delft - BN/Marie-Eve Aubin-Tam Lab, Kavli institute of nanoscience Delft)

Research Group
BN/Marie-Eve Aubin-Tam Lab
Copyright
© 2021 K. Yu, E.M. Spiesz, S. Balasubramanian, D.T. Schmieden, Anne S. Meyer, M.E. Aubin-Tam
DOI related publication
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.xcrp.2021.100464
More Info
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Publication Year
2021
Language
English
Copyright
© 2021 K. Yu, E.M. Spiesz, S. Balasubramanian, D.T. Schmieden, Anne S. Meyer, M.E. Aubin-Tam
Research Group
BN/Marie-Eve Aubin-Tam Lab
Issue number
6
Volume number
2
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Abstract

Sustainable structural materials with excellent impact-resistance properties are urgently needed but challenging to produce, especially in a scalable fashion and with control over 3D shape. Here, we show that bacterial cellulose (BC) and bacterially precipitated calcium carbonate self-assemble into a layered structure reminiscent of tough biomineralized materials in nature (nacre, bone, dentin). The fabrication method consists of biomineralizing BC to form an organic/inorganic mixed slurry, in which calcium carbonate crystal size is controlled with bacterial poly(γ-glutamic acid) and magnesium ions. This slurry self-assembles into a layered material that combines high toughness and high impact and fire resistance. The rapid fabrication is readily scalable, without involving toxic chemicals. Notably, the biomineralized BC can be repeatedly recycled and molded into any desired 3D shape and size using a simple kitchen blender and sieve. This fully biodegradable composite is well suited for use as a component in daily life, including furniture, helmets, and protective garments.