We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Hydrogel bacterial cellulose: a path to improved materials for new eco-friendly textiles
Summary
Bacterial cellulose grown from kombucha cultures was processed into a stable hydrogel material that can be sewn into clothing, offering a potentially eco-friendly textile alternative that avoids microplastic fiber shedding associated with synthetic fabrics. The material was tested as wristbands and T-shirt components and showed suitable wettability, mechanical properties, and flame resistance.
Abstract In this paper, we present a novel, ecologically friendly technology for the synthesis and modification of kombucha-derived bacterial cellulose in order to produce textiles of desired physicochemical and mechanical properties. The procedure of manufacturing cellulose in the form of a stable hydrogel bacterial cellulose (HGBC) ensures the desired properties for the application of such a material, e.g., in the textile industry. Bacterial cellulose was obtained from a yeast/bacteria kombucha culture (a symbiotic consortium also known as “tea fungus” or SCOBY) that is easy and cheap to breed. The process of bacterial cellulose manufacturing and modification was optimized in order to obtain a maximum recovery of raw materials, minimal energy consumption and ensure the use of only natural and renewable resources. The obtained materials were characterized in terms of their wettability, mechanical properties, and flame resistance. Moreover, the morphology and composition of the materials were determined by using scanning electron microscopy and infrared spectroscopy, respectively. Additionally, it was proven that the HGBC materials might be used to manufacture various articles of clothing using commonly available sewing techniques, which are not adequate for non-modified cellulose-based materials. Finally, the synthesized fabrics were used as wristbands and parts of T-shirts and tested on volunteers to determine a skin-to-skin contact behaviour of the prepared fabrics. The reported results allow for confirming that the HGBC fabric may be used as a new textile and the proposed synthesis method is in accordance with the “green chemistry.” Graphic abstract
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
Development of functional bacterial cellulose composites from Kombucha waste for biodegradable food packaging
Researchers produced bacterial cellulose composite films from kombucha production waste, modifying them with antimicrobial and structural agents to create biodegradable food packaging. The composites showed adequate mechanical and barrier properties, offering a sustainable alternative to petrochemical packaging that avoids microplastic generation during degradation.
Regenerated bacterial cellulose fibres
Bacterial cellulose produced by fermentation was processed into regenerated fibers as a sustainable textile alternative, demonstrating that bacterial cellulose can be dissolved and regenerated into fibrous materials with properties suitable for textile applications.
Microbial nanocellulose biotextiles for a circular materials economy
Researchers developed sustainable biotextiles from microbial nanocellulose combined with ancient textile techniques, creating rapidly renewable, low-toxicity, and biodegradable materials as circular economy alternatives to synthetic plastic-based fabrics.
Efficacy of bacterial cellulose hydrogel in microfiber removal from contaminated waters: A sustainable approach to wastewater treatment
Researchers developed a bacterial cellulose hydrogel made from unused cellulose remnants and tested it as an eco-friendly filter for removing microfibers from contaminated water. The hydrogel achieved an average removal rate of nearly 94 percent and retained the captured fibers well, releasing only about 8 percent after washing. The study presents this bio-based approach as a sustainable and effective alternative for tackling microfiber pollution in wastewater.
Development of functional bacterial cellulose composites from Kombucha waste for biodegradable food packaging
Researchers developed biodegradable food packaging films from bacterial cellulose grown in kombucha waste, chemically enhancing the material to achieve stronger mechanical strength and better moisture and oxygen barriers than unmodified cellulose. Unlike conventional plastic packaging that persists for centuries, these films broke down within months, offering a practical way to reduce microplastic pollution from food packaging.