Nano-Tubular Cellulose for Bioprocess Technology Development

AA Koutinas, V Sypsas, P Kandylis, A Michelis, A Bekatorou, Y Kourkoutas, C Kordulis, A Lycourghiotis, IM Banat, P Singh (nee Nigam), R Marchant, M Giannouli, P Yianoulis

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

59 Citations (Scopus)
38 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

Delignified cellulosic material has shown a significant promotional effect on the alcoholic fermentation as yeast immobilization support. However, its potential for further biotechnological development is unexploited. This study reports the characterization of this tubular/porous cellulosic material, which was done by SEM, porosimetry and X-ray powder diffractometry. The results showed that the structure of nano-tubular cellulose (NC) justifies its suitability for use in ‘‘cold pasteurization’’ processes and its promoting activity in bioprocessing (fermentation). The last was explained by a glucose pump theory. Also, it was demonstrated that crystallization of viscous invert sugar solutions during freeze drying could not be otherwise achieved unless NC was present. This effect as well as the feasibility of extremely low temperature fermentation are due to reduction of the activation energy, and have facilitated the development of technologies such as wine fermentations at home scale (in a domestic refrigerator). Moreover, NC may lead to new perspectives in research such as the development of new composites, templates for cylindrical nano-particles, etc.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1-10
JournalPLoS ONE
Volume7
Issue number4 e34
DOIs
Publication statusPublished (in print/issue) - 1 Apr 2012

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Nano-Tubular Cellulose for Bioprocess Technology Development'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this