Abstract:
In recent years, as energy crises and plastic pollution have escalated, bacterial cellulose (BC) received heightened research interest attributable to its renewability, biodegradability, inherent three-dimensional network structure, and superior mechanical properties. However, large-scale production and application of BC have been hindered by the high cost of cultivation and the challenge of controlling its structure and characteristics under cultivation circumstances. This study utilized a combination of sugarcane juice (SC) and distillers grains (DS) as an innovative culture medium (CD) for the production of BC, which subsequently served as a flexible matrix for the synthesis of a carboxylated multi-walled carbon nanotubes (C-MWCNTs)-silver nanoparticles (Ag)/BC (BCA) composite aerogel. The prefer fermentation factors for BC were found using the response surface method. The ideal carbon source, sugar concentration, nitrogen source, inoculum, and pH were CD medium (volume ratio was 1∶1), 10°Brix, 0.5% yeast extract, 8%, and 5, respectively, resulting in a maximum BC yield of 5.45 g/L. And the BC and BCA composite aerogels were analyzed employing a scanning electron microscope, X-ray diffractometer, infrared spectrometer, and commercial electrochemical workstation. Results indicated that the BC membrane displayed a three-dimensional porous network, with individual fiber diameters measuring 70.64 nm and a cellulose I crystal structure, demonstrating a highly crystallinity of 78.5%. The BCA composite aerogels generated distinct ΔI/I
0 signals when subjected to various bending angles at the human elbow and knee, with remarkable precision and stability, hence establishing it as a promising wearable flexible sensor.