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A Green Method for Bacterial Cellulose Electrospinning Using 1-Butyl-3-Methylimidazolium Acetate and γ-Valerolactone
Elona Vasili1, Bahareh Azimi1, Mahendra P Raut2,3
1Department of Civil and Industrial Engineering, University of Pisa, Largo Lucio Lazzarino 2, 56122 Pisa, Italy.
Polymers
|May 14, 2025
Summary
Researchers developed a greener electrospinning method for bacterial cellulose (BC) fibers using ionic liquids and renewable co-solvents. This process yields ultrafine BC fibers with enhanced properties, offering a sustainable alternative for cellulose processing.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Biotechnology
- Green Chemistry
Background:
- Bacterial cellulose (BC) is a pure biopolymer with excellent properties but difficult to process due to its insolubility in common solvents.
- Traditional BC processing requires harsh chemicals, posing environmental and safety concerns.
- Developing eco-friendly methods for BC dissolution and fiber fabrication is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential of ionic liquids (ILs) and a renewable co-solvent (GVL) for dissolving BC.
- To establish a green electrospinning method for producing BC fibers.
- To characterize the morphology and properties of the electrospun BC fibers.
Main Methods:
- Dissolution of BC using specific ionic liquids (BmimAc, EmimTFSI, EmimDCA) and γ-valerolactone (GVL).
- Optimization of electrospinning parameters for BC fiber production.
- Characterization of fiber morphology, pore structure, and water absorption capacity.
Main Results:
- BmimAc and a BmimAc/EmimTFSI mixture successfully dissolved BC up to 3 w%.
- GVL served as an effective co-solvent with BmimAc, replacing DMSO.
- Continuous BC fibers (~0.5 μm diameter) with defined pores and higher water absorption were produced via electrospinning.
Conclusions:
- A green and effective method for dissolving and electrospinning BC using BmimAc/GVL was demonstrated.
- The developed method yields ultrafine BC fibers with improved characteristics.
- This research offers a sustainable pathway for cellulose processing and material fabrication.
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