This study presents a novel and simple method to modify the microstructure of bacterial cellulose (BC) hydrogel.
BC specimens were produced using Gluconacetobacterxylinus ATCC 53582, then cut into cross-shape specimens
and subjected to biaxial cyclic tension in a displacement-control mode. Microstructural changes in the tested
specimens were recorded during a biaxial deformation process. The effect of biaxial load on microstructure of BC
hydrogel was investigated to understand deformation and fracture mechanisms of a BC fibrous network. The
obtained knowledge reveals the fundamental principles of microstructural modifications, which could enhance
biological performance of such hydrogels. The mechanically re-constructed BC specimens demonstrated a relatively homogeneous micro-porous structure with an average pore size of 100 μm.
Funding
7th European Community Framework Programme for financial support through a Marie Curie International Research Staff Exchange Scheme (IRSES) Project entitled “Micro-Multi-Material Manufacture to Enable Multifunctional Miniaturised Devices (M6)” (Grant no. PIRSES-GA2010-269113).
European Union Programme Horizon 2020 under Grant Agreement no H2020-MSCA-RISE-2014- 644175 MATRIXASSAY
China-European Union technology cooperation programme (Grant no. 1110
National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant no. U1713219)
History
School
Mechanical, Electrical and Manufacturing Engineering
This paper was accepted for publication in the journal Mechanics of Materials and the definitive published version is available at https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mechmat.2019.103272