Synthesis-property-performance relationships of multifunctional bacterial cellulose composites fermented in situ alkali lignin medium

This work demonstrates a unique approach of utilizing alkali lignin (AL), as smart additive to in situ BC fermentation in which it concurrently acts as promoter to microbial growth as well as reinforcing filler for fabrication of multifunctional composites. Traditionally, BC fermentation is accompanied by inhibitor formation with sudden drop in pH leading to low yield and biomass growth. AL due to its antioxidant nature prevents formation of gluconic acid as byproduct, at similar to 0.25 wt.% AL based on inhibitory byproduct kinetics. Interestingly, AL self-assembles to form primary and secondary structures in BC pores, resulting in simultaneous improvement in thermal stability as well as toughness. The BC/AL films show strong UV-blocking capacity with prolonged radical scavenging activity and preventing browning of freshly cut apples making it suitable as food packaging. Therefore, present work opens up new avenues for fabrication of high-performance BC-based composites through selection of smart materials which can simultaneously improve BC bioprocessing.