Three-Dimensional Hierarchical Cellulose Structures Based on Microbial Synthesis and Advanced Biofabrication

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Polymer Science
• Biofabrication

Background:

• Cellulose is a globally abundant biopolymer, with bacterial cellulose (BC) produced by bacteria like *Komagataeibacter xylinus*.
• Fabricating 3D BC structures is challenging due to oxygen requirements for biosynthesis and BC's inherent crystallinity and poor processability.
• Recent advances in additive manufacturing and biofabrication offer novel strategies for creating hierarchical 3D cellulose structures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To critically examine advanced biofabrication technologies for hierarchical 3D cellulose structures.
• To explore the integration of additive manufacturing with in situ microbial biosynthesis for cellulose fabrication.
• To discuss sustainable biocomposites based on BC and microbial biosynthesis.

Main Methods:

• Reviewing additive manufacturing techniques for incorporating BC or cellulose-generating bacteria into 3D printing feedstock.
• Investigating in situ BC biosynthesis within living inks using cellulose-producing bacteria.
• Analyzing the potential of combining microbial biosynthesis with 3D printing for complex structure fabrication.

Main Results:

• Additive manufacturing and biofabrication provide versatile approaches for hierarchical 3D cellulose structures.
• Incorporating bacteria into living inks enables in situ BC biosynthesis for complex geometries.
• Sustainable biocomposites can be developed using BC and microbial biosynthesis.

Conclusions:

• Integrating additive manufacturing with microbial biosynthesis holds significant potential for fabricating advanced 3D cellulose structures.
• Challenges remain in controlling BC biosynthesis and material properties for specific applications.
• Future opportunities lie in developing novel applications in tissue engineering, drug delivery, and advanced composites.