Preparation and characterisation of nanofibrous cellulose plate as a new solid support for microbial culture

Porous plates made of nanofibrous crystalline cellulose were prepared, and used as a solid support for microbial cultures. Representative mesophilic microorganisms ( Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis, and Saccharomyces cerevisiae) grew on the cellulose plate, just as well as they did on the conventional agar plate. In situ optical microscopic examination revealed that the cellulose plate remained unchanged up to 280 degrees C at a constant pressure of 25 MPa. Due to the structural stability at high temperatures, a representative thermophile, Thermus thermophilus, was cultured successfully on the cellulose plate at 80 degrees C. Mouse fibroblast cells did not show significant adhesion or extension on the cellulose plate.