Characterization of Sustainable Bacterial Cellulose From Indigenous Vietnamese Biomass for Potential Textile Applications

Abstract

This research explored the fabrication and characterization of bacterial cellulose (BC), with a distinct emphasis on leveraging indigenous Vietnamese biomass sources. A diverse sample library consisting of 150 BC samples was prepared, with six samples selected for objective evaluation, based on the standard test methods. These samples were subjected to characterization techniques including Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Energy dispersive X-ray (EDX), Fourier Transformation Infrared (FTIR) and Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) to explore potential applications of BC in fashion and textiles. Moreover, the growth medium (or SCOBY- Symbiotic Culture of Bacteria and Yeast), from which the BC was cultivated, was analyzed to identify the constituent bacterial and yeast strains. The EDX analysis showed the major elements of BC were Carbon (C) followed by Oxygen (O), which accounted for 99% of the elemental composition of BC. The cellulosic structure was confirmed by the FTIR results, which indicated the characteristics bonds of BC. The DSC results showed that thermal stability can be achieved for the fashion and textiles produced from BC. Bacterial analysis showed the presence of Acetobacter Indonesiensis, a gram-negative bacterium, in all the BC samples. The outcomes of this study established a deeper comprehension of the morphological, thermal, biological, and chemical attributes of BC, as well as the microbial dynamics within the SCOBY mother. This exploration not only augments the existing knowledge on BC's potential in material design but also paves the way for further research on the influence of local ingredients on biomaterial production, thereby contributing to the burgeoning field of sustainable material innovation within a localized context.