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Illustration of the development of bacterial cellulose bundles/ribbons by Gluconacetobacter xylinus via atomic force microscopy

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Abstract

The development of bacterial cellulose (BC) fibrils biosynthesized by Gluconacetobacter xylinus was investigated using atomic force microscopy (AFM). After various incubation times at 30 °C, both the length of BC fibrils and their average diameters increased significantly. After the first 2-h incubation, not only single BC microfibrils with an average diameter of 5.8 ± 0.7 nm were biosynthesized but single microfibrils also began to bind with each other forming bundles. After longer incubation times of 6 h, 16 h, and 48 h, only BC bundles and ribbons or even only ribbons were detectable. The development of BC fibrils and the formation of BC bundles/ribbons along with the biosynthesis time were illustrated using AFM. Furthermore, single BC fibrils were twisted in a right-handed manner. The twisting of BC fibrils possibly promoted the formation of bigger ribbons.

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Acknowledgment

Financial support from LOEWE–Soft Control (Landes-Offensive zur Entwicklung Wissenschaftlich-oekonomischer Exzellenz) is gratefully acknowledged. No conflict of interest with any other financial organization regarding the materials in this manuscript is declared.

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  1. Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry and Paper Chemistry, Technische Universität Darmstadt, Petersenstr. 22, 64287, Darmstadt, Germany

    Kai Zhang

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Correspondence to Kai Zhang.

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Zhang, K. Illustration of the development of bacterial cellulose bundles/ribbons by Gluconacetobacter xylinus via atomic force microscopy. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 97, 4353–4359 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00253-013-4752-x

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