Effect of Homoserine Lactones on the Physical Properties of Bacterial Nanocellulose Materials
Abstract
Bacterial nanocellulose (BNC) is a remarkably versatile nano-biomaterial. It has wide applications in the medicine, defense, electronics, optics, and food industries. Use of BNC material has several advantages over that of plant cellulose because BNC has high purity and crystallinity, a large surface area, durability, biocompatibility, and is widely used for multifunctional purposes. However, BNC materials can be difficult to manufacture and process into useable forms because BNC pellicles are often not uniform in their composition. This may be the result of cell density heterogeneity, which leads to large clusters of dense cellular growth. We believe that BNC morphology can be controlled through manipulation of the quorum-sensing (QS) pathways of the bacterium. We investigated the fundamental factors that affect the growth of nanocellulose biofilm. The results showed a direct correlation between QS molecules (e.g., homoserine lactones [HSLs]) and the physical properties of the bacterial pellicles. Scanning electron microscope data showed a direct impact of HSL molecules on fiber thickness. These experimental data will enhance our understanding and optimization of the QS molecule signals and expression levels to improve bacterial nanocellulose production and customization.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 01, 2019
- Accession Number
- AD1076329
Entities
People
- Ashish Tripathi
- Erik Emmons
- Kurt Kunkel
- Rabih E. Jabbour