Comparison of two types of bioreactors for synthesis of bacterial nanocellulose tubes as potential medical prostheses including artificial blood vessels

BACKGROUND: Bacterial nanocellulose (BNC) has prospects for use in applications of artificial blood vessels, esophagus and urethra. Several bioreactors have been utilized for synthesis of BNC tubes, however, little is known about differences in biosynthesis processes and tube properties. The current work for the first time compared two types of bioreactors, double-silicone-tube (D-BNC) andsingle-silicone-tube (S-BNC) bioreactors, to evaluate differences in preparation and properties of BNC tubes using fructose or glucose of 50 g L-1 and 100 g L-1, respectively. RESULTS: The two bioreactors showed different biosynthesis processes of BNC tube production. The D-BNC bioreactor provided higher yields and better mechanical performance of tubes because of the greater oxygen supply. Higher fructose concentration resulted in increased production of D-BNC, but sugar types and concentrations had little effect on S-BNC yields. Fructose granted stronger mechanical properties, but lower water permeability. Both types of tubes prepared with 100 g L-1 fructose were composed of porous nano-fibrillar networks but showed different cross-sectional morphologies and fiber distributions. CONCLUSION: This study revealed the biosynthesis processes of BNC tubes in two bioreactors and their correlation with properties. The results suggest how to regulate BNC tubes with particular structures and properties for biomedical prostheses including artificial blood vessels. (C) 2016 Society of Chemical Industry