title: Formation of cellulose-based composites with hemicelluloses and pectins using Gluconacetobacter fermentation.
abstract: Gluconacetobacter xylinus synthesises cellulose in an analogous fashion to plants. Through fermentation of Ga. xylinus in media containing cell wall polysaccharides from the hemicellulose and/or pectin families, composites with cellulose can be produced. These serve as general models for the assembly, structure, and properties of plant cell walls. By studying structure/property relationships of cellulose composites, the effects of defined hemicellulose and/or pectin polysaccharide structures can be investigated. The macroscopic nature of the composites also allows composite mechanical properties to be characterised. The method for producing cellulose-based composites involves reviving and then culturing Ga. xylinus in the presence of desired hemicelluloses and/or pectins. Different conditions are required for construction of hemicellulose- and pectin-containing composites. Fermentation results in a floating mat or pellicle of cellulose-based composite that can be recovered, washed, and then studied under hydrated conditions without any need for intermediate drying.
authors.affiliation: Centre of Excellence in Plant Cell Walls, Centre for Nutrition and Food Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
authors.forename: Deirdre
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Mikkelsen
authors.forename: Michael J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Gidley
mesh_terms: D018929:Cell Culture Techniques; D002482:Cellulose / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D015925:Cryopreservation / Q000379:methods; D003470:Culture Media; D041822:Gluconacetobacter xylinus / Q000378:metabolism*; D010368:Pectins / Q000378:metabolism*; D011134:Polysaccharides / Q000378:metabolism*
chemical_list: D003470:Culture Media; D011134:Polysaccharides; C007916:hemicellulose; D010368:Pectins; D002482:Cellulose