The Cellulose Renaissance: Reimagining Bacterial Bioproducts for Health and Earth

Abstract

Bacterial cellulose (BC) is a natural nanofiber with numerous desirable properties, including porosity, flexibility, high water capacity, biocompatibility, and high crystallinity. BC is appealing to researchers in materials science and engineering due to its potential applications in healthcare, biosensing, food, and bioremediation. However, high production costs and inconsistencies in strain production have hindered large-scale production and commercial applications. BC production optimization is required to boost industrial-scale productivity while reducing production time and expenses. This review covers BC biosynthesis and assembly, nutrient requirements, and structure and properties. Strategies for improved BC production, either through conventional or statistical optimization, have been discussed. Genetic approaches to modify BC-producing strains to increase BC yield have been explored. Various applications of BC in medical and environmental sectors have been compiled here for better understanding. The authors have investigated BC's significance in day-to-day life and how they can be useful to society.