Soon, plastic objects could be replaced by materials produced by bacteria, thanks to a novel technique.
Every year, millions of tons of plastic waste pollute the oceans, releasing harmful substances like bisphenol A. A team of researchers has developed a process that transforms bacterial cellulose into a material as strong as certain metals, yet biodegradable. The key element? A special bioreactor that guides bacteria to produce perfectly aligned fibers. The result: a solid, flexible, transparent, and eco-friendly material, offering a credible alternative to plastic in many areas.
An innovative approach to transform bacterial cellulose into strong and multifunctional materials.
Credit: Jorge Vidal/Rice University
However, traditional plastic poses a major environmental problem due to its slow decomposition and the release of microplastics. To address this, scientists are turning to natural alternatives. Bacterial cellulose, produced by certain microorganisms, stands out for its purity and abundance. However, until now, its low mechanical strength limited its use.
The new method developed by researchers at Rice University and the University of Houston changes the game by allowing control over fiber orientation during growth. This technique, described in the journal
Nature Communications, uses a rotating bioreactor to align cellulose-producing bacteria. The fibers obtained are much stronger than those produced randomly.
Specifically, the rotating bioreactor designed by the team directs the movement of the bacteria, forcing their cellulose fibers to align in a precise direction. This control over orientation significantly improves the material's mechanical properties. According to M.A.S.R. Saadi, lead author of the study, this method makes it possible to create a material as strong as certain metals, while remaining flexible, foldable, transparent, and eco-friendly. Thermal properties are also improved, dissipating heat three times faster than a control sample. This performance opens the door to applications in thermal management.
Moreover, the researchers note that their approach is scalable and occurs in a single step, making it suitable for industrial production. Potential areas include structural materials, thermal management systems, packaging, textiles, green electronics, and energy storage. According to Muhammad Maksud Rahman, this technology could become ubiquitous and replace plastic in many industries, thereby helping to reduce pollution.