| Abstract Scope |
Herein is investigated the response of K. xylinus cells to various electric fields for directed nano printing of carbon precursors from bacterial cellulose (BC). Bacterial cellulose provides a pure form of cellulose, the microstructure of which may be manipulated for chemical makeup, crystallinity, or strength. Using the principles of dielectrophoresis, an experimental setup incorporating titanium wires is designed to target field strengths of 54 kV/m, 21.5 kV/m, and 11.5 kV/m for the electric manipulation of the motion and metabolism of K. xylinus cells for BC production. The growth of K. xylinus and BC under these conditions is then evaluated for DC and AC fields. Different electrode materials of titanium, platinum, and pencil graphite were tested for electrochemical performance in biological media and cell culture across pH 4-6 to identify evolving resistance and biocompatibility. The cellulose produced under these conditions can be used in further processing steps for a circular economy. |