Scientists convert bacteria into efficient cellulose producers

Researchers at ETH Zurich have developed a method to enhance the cellulose production capabilities of the bacterium Komagataeibacter sucrofermentans. This bacterium is known for producing high-purity cellulose, which is valuable for biomedical applications and packaging materials. The traditional challenge has been the slow growth and limited cellulose output of these bacteria. The new approach employs a technique inspired by natural selection, allowing for the rapid generation of numerous bacterial variants. By irradiating the bacteria with UV-C light to induce mutations, the researchers created variants that can produce 50 to 70% more cellulose than the wild type. The process involves encapsulating individual bacterial cells in nutrient droplets and using fluorescence microscopy to identify the most productive strains. A sorting system developed by the team enables the rapid selection of these high-yield variants. Genetic analysis revealed that the enhanced cellulose production is linked to mutations in a gene coding for a protease, which appears to disrupt the regulation of cellulose production. This innovative method not only improves cellulose yield but also has potential applications for other materials produced by bacteria. The researchers have applied for a patent and plan to collaborate with industry partners to test these variants in real-world conditions.

- Researchers have enhanced cellulose production in bacteria using a new method.

- The bacterium Komagataeibacter sucrofermentans was modified to produce significantly more cellulose.

- The approach involves UV-C light-induced mutations and automated sorting of high-yield variants.

- Genetic analysis linked increased cellulose production to mutations in a protease gene.

- The method has potential applications beyond cellulose, for other bacterial-produced materials.