Durable bacterial cellulose biotextiles for sustainable applications
This technology is a method for synthesizing, tanning, and dyeing a non-toxic biomaterial suitable for water-resistant and flame-retardant textile applications.
Unmet Need: Non-toxic biomaterials with sufficient durability for use as textiles
The fashion industry is a major contributor to climate change, elevating CO2 levels and causing significant industrial water pollution. Most current sustainable alternatives still rely on conventional textile processes that are often environmentally unfriendly and water-intensive. Cellulose produced by certain bacteria shows promise as a non-toxic material for biotextiles. However, it faces limitations, such as insufficient strength, flexibility, and water resistance, that hinder its use as a fabric.
The Technology: Sustainable synthesis and processing method for strong and functional biotextiles
This technology uses a non-toxic tanning and dyeing treatment to enhance the material properties of bacterial cellulose and render it suitable for textile applications. First, bacteria are cultured under specific conditions to secrete bacterial cellulose. The cellulose biotextile is then processed with enzyme and aldehyde tanning treatments that increase the water and flame resistance, strength, and flexibility of the resulting fabric. Lastly, a range of non-toxic natural dyes derived from plants or minerals may be used to color the biotextile. This sustainable method offers reduced toxicity, carbon footprint, and water usage relative to traditional textile production processes.
Applications:
- Non-toxic and biodegradable fabrics
- Leather substitutes
- Furniture upholstery
- Fire-retardant material for emergency tents, home furnishings, and fire blankets
- Protective apparel for firefighters and industrial workers
- Water-resistant fabric
Advantages:
- Sustainable and eco-friendly
- Non-toxic
- Biodegradable
- Strong, flexible, and durable biotextile
- Water and flame resistant
- Scalable
- Adjustable mechanical properties
- No synthetic chemicals
Lead Inventor:
Patent Information:
Patent Pending(US 17/793,030)
Related Publications:
Tech Ventures Reference:
IR CU20202
Licensing Contact: Dovina Qu