Acoustofluidics Powered Synthesis of Bacterial Cellulose

Bacterial cellulose (BC) possesses unique structural and functional properties including good water retention capacity, biocompatibility, and chemical stability and is currently widely used across various industries. However, its production typically relies on prolonged cultivation at around 30 °C, and it remains a major challenge to synthesize it at ambient temperature due to reduced bacterial activity and limited oxygen availability. In this study, we explored the application of acoustic wave technology to enhance BC production under static cultivation at ambient temperature, as an alternative to the conventional 30 °C incubation method. Acoustic wave induced acoustic radiation, streaming, and localized heating effects improved bacterial growth, nutrient distribution, and oxygen availability, thereby overcoming the limitations of low-temperature environments and barriers for access to oxygen at air-liquid interfaces. The acoustic wave agitated group exhibited enhanced bacterial proliferation, with BC pellicles achieving comparable (if not higher) yields to those of the 30 °C control group and significantly outperforming the ambient temperature control group. Structural analysis confirmed that acoustic stimulation preserved the nanoscale morphology and material integrity of BC, with mechanical properties similar to those of BC from the 30 °C control group. Furthermore, acoustic wave treatment reduced energy consumption approximately 10-fold and carbon emissions by over 90% compared to those of the routine 30 °C incubation process, demonstrating its outstanding energy efficiency and environmental sustainability. This work presents a novel approach for enabling BC biosynthesis at ambient temperature and provides new mechanistic insights into the acoustic regulation of microbial metabolism and material assembly.