Characterization of chemically treated bacterial (Acetobacter xylinum) biopolymer: some thermo-mechanical properties.

Bacterial cellulose prepared from pellicles of Acetobacter xylinum (Gluconacetobacter xylinus) is a unique biopolymer in terms of its molecular structure, mechanical strength and chemical stability. The biochemical analysis revealed that various alkali treatment methods were effective in removing proteins and nucleic acids from native membrane resulting in pure cellulose membrane. The effect of various treatment regimens on thermo-mechanical properties of the material was investigated.