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MnO2-Modified Bacterial Cellulose as Bio-Based Coatings for Efficient Oil-Water Separation
Juree Chunjit1, Khemika Wannakan2, Watcharaphol Paritmongkol2
1Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Mahasarakham University, Kantarawichai, Maha Sarakham 44150, Thailand.
ACS Omega
|May 18, 2026
Summary
Manganese dioxide-modified bacterial cellulose (MBC) offers an efficient, eco-friendly solution for oil-water separation. This bio-based coating, even at low densities, achieves over 98% separation efficiency for various oils.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Environmental Science
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Aquatic oil contamination poses environmental challenges, necessitating advanced separation materials.
- Bacterial cellulose (BC) is a sustainable biopolymer with potential for material applications.
- Manganese dioxide (MnO2) functionalization can impart desirable surface properties for separation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and evaluate manganese dioxide-modified bacterial cellulose (MBC) as a bio-based coating for oil-water separation.
- To investigate the efficacy of MBC derived from different bacterial cellulose production methods (conventional vs. cost-effective).
- To assess the material efficiency and surface characteristics of MBC coatings.
Main Methods:
- Biosynthesis of bacterial cellulose (BC) using Komagataeibacter xylinus with Hestrin-Schramm (HS) or sucrose-rice flour (SRF) media.
- In situ functionalization of BC with manganese dioxide (MnO2) to create MBC-HS and MBC-SRF.
- Application of MBC as thin coatings on filter papers and evaluation of oil-water separation efficiency and surface properties.
Main Results:
- MBC-coated filter papers achieved >98% separation efficiency for palm olein, diesel, and motor oil-water mixtures at low coating density (0.14 mg·cm-2).
- MBC coatings exhibited hydrophilic and underwater oleophobic characteristics, facilitating water permeation and oil droplet repulsion.
- MBC derived from cost-effective SRF-produced BC showed performance comparable to MBC-HS, indicating no compromise in functionality.
Conclusions:
- Manganese dioxide-modified bacterial cellulose is a viable bio-based coating for efficient oil-water separation.
- Cost-effective production of bacterial cellulose does not hinder the performance of the resulting oil-water separation material.
- This approach offers a promising strategy for developing material-efficient and environmentally friendly oil-water separation solutions.
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