Bacterial cellulose - a masterpiece of nature's arts

Abstract

Ever since its remarkable mechanical properties were found fifteen years ago, interest has grown in bacterial cellulose for which the use had been more or less limited to the manufacture of nata-de-coco, an indigenous food of South-East Asia. This paper reviews the progress of relevant studies including the production of cellulose by bacteria, the formation of microfibrils and gel layer, the properties of gel and processed sheets, and some aspects of applications.