Microbial Cellulose: Fermentative Production and Applications 

Prashant R. Chawla, Ishwar B. Bajaj, Shrikant A. Survase and Rekha S. Singhal*

Food Engineering and Technology Department, Institute of Chemical Technology, University of Mumbai, Matunga, IN-400019 Mumbai, India

Article history:
Received February 19, 2008
Accepted December 3, 2008

Key words:
microbial cellulose, homopolymer, Acetobacter xylinum, Acetobacter hansenii, fermentation

Summary:
Bacterial cellulose, an exopolysaccharide produced by some bacteria, has unique structural and mechanical properties and is highly pure as compared to plant cellulose. This article presents a critical review of the available information on the bacterial cellulose with special emphasis on its fermentative production and applications. Information on the biosynthetic pathway of bacterial cellulose, enzymes and precursors involved in bacterial cellulose synthesis has been specified. Characteristics of bacterial cellulose with respect to its structure and physicochemical properties are discussed. Current and potential applications of bacterial cellulose in food, pharmaceutical and other industries are also presented.

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