Bacterial cellulose production from CO2: CC&U

Bacterial strain STN1A, isolated in our laboratory, is capable of producing type I bacterial cellulose with nanocellulose characteristics (fibers diameter below 50 nm and several microns of length) from a variety of carbon sources and industrial residues, including  naphthalene crystals.

Most importantly, the strain is also capable to grown and produce cellulose using carbon dioxide (CO2) as sole carbon source. Furthermore, the strain is capable of CO2 fixation and cellulose production using hydrogen as source of energy. This make it an excellent alternative tool for Carbon Capture and Utilization (CCU) to address climate change and contribute to the European energy transition strategy.

We have identified in the strain’s genome the genetic complements for the metabolism of a large variety of carbon sources, including several sugars and sugar alcohols, amino acids, some organic acids and amines, among others.

The strain and the cellulose production process have been patented.