Bacterial Cellulose

A versatile polymer that is pure, porous and has a high water uptake capacity. A bacterial culture feeds on a bath of sterilized waste coconut water, or kombucha tea leaves, and as the bacteria digest the sugar, they spin a layer of pure cellulose. A cellulose jelly sheet is produced within 2-3 weeks and can be lifted from the bath, harvested and molded into shape. The length of growing time determines the thickness of the final material.

The current uses are in fashion lines like BioCouture and Malai with the potential to be used in food, cosmetics and as a transdermal or dental drug delivery.

Malai is a biocomposite material made entirely from organic and sustainable bacterial cellulose grown on agricultural waste sourced from the coconut industry in Southern India.

 
  • After fermentation is complete, the cellulose is enriched with natural plant fibers, gums and resins to create a more durable and flexible material which may then be formed into flat sheets in a range of thicknesses and textures, or moulded seamlessly into 3D structures.

  • The material is grown and formed in the same step unlike other forms of production which involve extraction, fiber production, sheets etc.

    The sheets can be formed into textiles and made into fashion articles or accessories. The material is still in development and not yet commercially available but it has potential to be used in other applications like books, cars and buildings.

  • Biodegradeable, non-toxic, compostable, antimicrobial and no waste is produced during production since it is a single-step production process. Many of the primary raw ingredients come from agricultural waste streams that would otherwise be dumped, including water from mature coconuts and banana fibers. No trees are cut to produce this material.

    Malai contains no petroleum-based polymers, and no harsh chemicals in the manufacturing process. Unlike the animal leather industry, the production process does not harm animals and uses less energy and water.

  • The material can be simultaneously grown and formed allowing thickness to be controlled. It is water resistant and available in a wide variety of colors including dusty pink, dark indigo, cumin yellow and dark grey where the dyes are derived from local plants. The finish can be matte or semi-gloss.

    The material can be made soft, medium or strong. The soft and smooth fabric is suitable for fashion. The medium textured finish is suitable for fashion accessories, stationary, packaging and furnishings. Malai strong is rougher, more rigid and suitable for furnishings and interior surface design.

Resources

Lefteri, C. (2014). Materials for design. Laurence King.

Ullah, H., Santos, H.A. & Khan, T. Applications of bacterial cellulose in food, cosmetics and drug delivery. Cellulose 23, 2291–2314 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10570-016-0986-y

https://www.materialinnovation.org/malai-innovator-profile#:~:text=Malai%20is%20a%20leather%20alternative,used%20in%20the%20manufacturing%20process.

https://leqara.com/

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