A Review of Fabrication and Applications of Bacterial Cellulose Based Nanocomposites

Abstract

Bacterial cellulose (BC) is a unique nanofibrous biomaterial which can have applications in many engineering fields. BC possesses excellent mechanical properties and biocompatibility and can be engineered in various forms from nano to macro scales. BC based nanocomposites can be manipulated to improve their properties and/or functionalities. Such materials can be categorized as high-strength materials as well as materials for plant biomimicking, biomedical, electrically conductive, catalysis, optical, luminescent, proton conductive, separating, antimicrobial, thermo-responsive, and other applications. The review presented here focuses on various fabrication methods used and novel applications of BC based nanocomposites that are expected to be commercialized.

Keywords:

• bacterial cellulose
• nanocomposites
• mechanical properties
• biocompatibility
• fabrication methods
• BC applications