Definition
Bacterial nanocellulose (BNC) is a biopolymeric material synthesized by certain bacterial species — primarily Komagataeibacter xylinus (formerly Gluconacetobacter xylinus) — through fermentation of sugars. It consists of pure cellulose in the form of a highly ordered, three-dimensional nanofiber network with fibril diameters in the range of a few nanometers, making it significantly finer than plant-derived cellulose. This nanostructure gives the material a very high specific surface area, pronounced water absorption capacity, and remarkable mechanical strength at low weight.
Use in the textile industry
In the textile industry, bacterial nanocellulose is being researched and tested as a functional coating for textiles to improve properties such as barrier performance, moisture management, and antimicrobial finishing. It is also used as a reinforcement component in composite materials and as a basis for bio-based, biodegradable nonwovens and membranes. Due to its biological origin and biodegradability, it is of particular interest in the context of sustainable textile development.
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