Maciej Konopacki

Modification of bacterial cellulose through exposure to the rotating magnetic field

The aim of the study was to assess the influence of rotating magnetic field (RMF) on production rate and quality parameters of bacterial cellulose synthetized by Glucanacetobacter xylinus. Bacterial cultures were exposed to RMF (frequency f=50Hz, magnetic induction B=34mT) for 72h at 28°C. The study revealed that cellulose obtained under RMF influence displayed higher water absorption, lower density and less interassociated microfibrils comparing to unexposed control. The application of RMF significantly increased the amount of obtained wet cellulose pellicles but decreased the weight and thickness of dry cellulose. Summarizing, the exposure of cellulose-synthesizing G. xylinus to RMF alters cellulose biogenesis and may offer a new biotechnological tool to control this process. As RMF-modified cellulose displays better absorbing properties comparing to non-modified cellulose, our finding, if developed, may find application in the production of dressings for highly exudative wounds.

Increased water content in bacterial cellulose synthesized under rotating magnetic fields

ABSTRACT The current study describes properties of bacterial cellulose (BC) obtained from Komagataeibacter xylinus cultures exposed to the rotating magnetic field (RMF) of 50 Hz frequency and magnetic induction of 34 mT for controlled time during 6 days of cultivation. The experiments were carried out in the customized RMF exposure system adapted for biological studies. The obtained BC displayed an altered micro-structure, degree of porosity, and water-related parameters in comparison to the non-treated, control BC samples. The observed effects were correlated to the duration and the time of magnetic exposure during K. xylinus cultivation. The most preferred properties in terms of water-related properties were found for BC obtained in the setting, where RMF generator was switched off for the first 72 h of cultivation and switched on for the next 72 h. The described method of BC synthesis may be of special interest for the production of absorbent, antimicrobial-soaked dressings and carrier supports for the immobilization of microorganisms and proteins.

Evaluation of usefulness of 2DCorr technique in assessing physicochemical properties of bacterial cellulose

The main aim of the current study was to evaluate the usefulness of the two-dimensional correlation analysis (2DCorr) technique in assessing the physicochemical properties of bacterial cellulose (BC) depending on the synthesis time and Komagataeibacter xylinus strain used for its production. It was demonstrated that 2DCorr analysis allows to characterize substantial changes in the structure of BC at the molecular level occurring during its synthesis, which are difficult to determine using ATR-FTIR spectral analysis. Furthermore, it was found that 2DCorr analysis allows to identify the differences in the structure and the properties of BC according to the bacterial strain used for its synthesis. It was concluded that 2DCorr analysis of the ATR-FTIR spectra may be a useful tool for controlling BC production in order to obtain material with the desired properties.

Increased yield and selected properties of bacterial cellulose exposed to different modes of a rotating magnetic field

Rotating magnetic field (RMF) is an interesting alternative to conventional bacterial cellulose (BC) production methods. The BC synthesis processes may be affected by RMF, which facilitates the transfer of oxygen and nutrients from the media to the microbial cells. RMF may also directly influence the various physical and chemical properties of BC. The main aim of the present study was to evaluate the impact of the RMF on the BC in regard to its yield and material properties. The correlation between the efficiency of polymer production and the different time of exposure to the RMF was also analyzed to determine the conditions of lower energy consumption during the cellulose formation process. It was found that the Gluconacetobacter xylinus cultures exposed to the RMF for a half of the time of the entire cellulose production process (72 h), considering the results obtained in controls, synthesized BC more effectively than bacteria continuously exposed to the RMF for 144 h. Furthermore, the application of the RMF, regardless of the exposure mode, did not negatively affect the polymer material properties. It was concluded that the use of the RMF may provide a novel technique for altering cellulose biogenesis and may be used in multiple biotechnological applications.

Time Dependent Influence of Rotating Magnetic Field on Bacterial Cellulose

The aim of the study was to assess the influence of rotating magnetic field (RMF) on the morphology, physicochemical properties, and the water holding capacity of bacterial cellulose (BC) synthetized by Gluconacetobacter xylinus. The cultures of G. xylinus were exposed to RMF of frequency that equals 50 Hz and magnetic induction 34 mT for 3, 5, and 7 days during cultivation at 28°C in the customized RMF exposure system. It was revealed that BC exposed for 3 days to RMF exhibited the highest water retention capacity as compared to the samples exposed for 5 and 7 days. The observation was confirmed for both the control and RMF exposed BC. It was proved that the BC exposed samples showed up to 26% higher water retention capacity as compared to the control samples. These samples also required the highest temperature to release the water molecules. Such findings agreed with the observation via SEM examination which revealed that the structure of BC synthesized for 7 days was more compacted than the sample exposed to RMF for 3 days. Furthermore, the analysis of 2D correlation of Fourier transform infrared spectra demonstrated the impact of RMF exposure on the dynamics of BC microfibers crystallinity formation.

Experimental study and mathematical modeling of the residence time distribution in magnetic mixer

This study reports on research results in the field of a mixing process under the action of a transverse rotating magnetic field (TRMF). The main objective of this paper is to present the effect of this type of a magnetic field on residence time distribution (RTD) measurements. This paper evaluates the performance of a magnetic mixer by comparing the results of an experimental investigations in a pilot set-up and theoretical values obtained from mathematical model. This model consisting of the set of ideal continuous stirred tank reactors (CSTR) fitted well the experimental data.

The Influence of Rotating Magnetic Field on Biochemical Processing

Enzymes have extremely interesting properties that make them catalysis for a huge number of chemical reactions. These little-reaction machines are commonly applied in chemical engineering processes. There are many different approaches and methods available to improve enzymes activated processes. This paper discusses a possibility to apply them for a rotating magnetic field as a tool in modern chemical engineering to precisely regulate ex vivo and in vivo enzyme activity.