Applications of regenerated bacterial cellulose: a review

Whilst synthetic polymers have changed the world in many important ways, the negative impacts associated with these materials are becoming apparent in waste accumulation and microplastic pollution due to lack of biodegradability. Society has become aware of the need to replace or substitute environmentally persistent synthetic polymers, and cellulose has received a large amount of attention in this respect. The mechanical properties of cellulose, its renewable nature and biodegradability are advantageous properties. Drawbacks exist for the use of plant cellulose (PC), including the water footprint of cotton, deforestation associated with wood/dissolving pulp, and the extensive processing required to refine plants and wood into pure cellulose. Bacterial cellulose (BC), also known as microbial cellulose, is gaining momentum in both academic and industry settings as a potential solution to the many drawbacks of plant-based cellulose. Compared to PC, BC has high purity, crystallinity and degree of polymerisation, and can be manufactured from waste in a way that yields more cellulose per hectare, per annum, and requires less intense chemical processing. Native bacterial cellulose can be formed and shaped to an extent and is found in a variety of commercial products. However, dissolving and regenerating bacterial cellulose is a potential avenue to broaden the applications available to this material. The aim of this study is to review the applications which utilize regenerated bacterial cellulose, with a focus on the dissolution/regeneration methods used and discussing the associated limitations and future outlook.