ABSTRACT
A unique form of β-glucan association, nematic ordered cellulose (NOC), has been developed that is molecularly ordered, yet noncrystalline. NOC has unique characteristics, in particular, its surface properties provide tracks or scaffolds for regulated movements and fiber production of Gluconacetobacter xylinus (formerly Acetobacter xylinum), which produces cellulose ribbon-like nanofibers 40–60 nm in width and moves due to the inverse force of the secretion of the fibers. Since the interaction 114between the produced microbial cellulose nanofibers and specific sites of the oriented molecules on the unique surface of NOC is very strong, such ordered cellulose can be used as a template for the construction of nanocomposites, and the growth direction of the secreted cellulose is controlled by the epitaxial deposition of the microfibrils. Accordingly the template as a scaffold could regulate and establish deposition of the NOC-patterned three-dimensional (3D) architecture of cellulose ribbon-like nanofibers when the bacteria are incubated on it. This review attempts to reveal the exclusive structure-property relationship in order to extend the use of NOC film as a functional template for bacterium culture and biomimic mineralization. In addition, the other carbohydrate polymers with a variety of hierarchical nematic ordered states on various scales, so called nano-/microstructures, are described, which would allow development of new functional ordered scaffolds. The regulating factors for the rate of the microbial 3D construction are also discussed.
