Introduction

Bacterial cellulose (BC) exhibits a multitude of different properties depending on the processing, growth conditions, functionalisation and strain used (Bismarck 2013) for production of the material. Acquiring large quantities of cellulose produced would allow testing of a broad variety of cellulose processing methods and functionalisation steps.

By mass producing cellulose this enables a better understanding of what material properties can be realistically produced during the short duration of iGEM. More importantly, it improves the likelihood of finding suitable processing candidates for the project’s aim of making a customisable ultrafiltration membrane, at the same time as allowing room for creativity and exploration of the remarkable properties of cellulose.

Minimum requirements

1. Treatment of BC requires killing the cells, particularly if the cells are genetically engineered, which is the aim for putting the customisable in ultrafiltration membranes.
2. Based on brainstorming with Central Saint Martins student Zuzana, removing the colour of BC is required as it looks displeasing to the eye otherwise, and seems counter-intuituve to filter clean water with cellulose coloured like turbid water.
3. Removal of the smell of BC has also been raised as a requirement, particularly by producers who work in close contact with the processing facilities.


Component	Quantity	Source	Cost breakdown (£)	Cost (£)
Water	4l	London South West Water	4 liters of £5.5195 per m3	0.02
400 g granulated sugar	400g	Tesco's	79p per 1 kg	0.32
Clipper green tea tea bags	4	Clipper tea	300 teabags for £9.99	0.13
Aspall organic cider vinegar	2	Aspall Suffolk	400 ml of a £2.25 500 ml bottle	1.80
Total				2.27
Product
Component	Quantity	Source	Price breakdown (£)	Price per g (£)
Bacterial cellulose yield	60 cm by 40 cm = 0.24 m2	production from single tray	110 g/m2 x 0.24 m2 = 26.4g	0.09

References