Browse by author
Lookup NU author(s): Dr Jane ScottORCiD
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (CC BY 4.0).
Copyright © 2026 Laura Freixas et al. Advances in Materials Science and Engineering published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.This study introduces a novel biofabrication strategy to create programmable, moisture-responsive textiles from bacterial cellulose (BC) filaments, establishing a novel material platform that unites biological growth with textile engineering. By integrating BC fermentation, bioengineering, polymer science, and programmable knitting, we demonstrate how in situ and ex situ functionalization can transform microbial biopolymers into adaptive textile systems. BC filaments were produced from Komagataeibacter xylinus and mixed bacterial yeast cultures (SCOBY) using spiral molds and functionalized with chitosan and BslA in situ, and glycerol, NaOH, or chromoprotein ex situ. Comprehensive mechanical test was carried out with tensile test and physical tests with water contact angle and swelling. These characterizations identified combinations that yielded knittable hydrophilic and hydrophobic filaments with tunable flexibility, strength, and water-responsiveness. Knitted hydrophilic BC filaments exhibited pronounced hygromorphic actuation, absorbing 49% water and swelling by 318% and enabling controlled shape transformation under moisture stimuli, while hydrophobic counterparts maintained dimensional stability. This research pioneers the use of biologically functionalized BC filaments for responsive textile fabrication, advancing sustainable smart materials that couple living-inspired biofabrication with textile programmability, with potential applications in adaptive wearables, environmental sensing, and soft robotics.
Author(s): Freixas L, Gilmour K, Zhang M, Scott J, Pena J
Publication type: Review
Publication status: Published
Journal: Advances in Materials Science and Engineering
Year: 2026
Volume: 2026
Issue: 1
Pages: 1-11
Online publication date: 22/02/2026
Acceptance date: 29/01/2026
ISSN (print): 1687-8434
ISSN (electronic): 1687-8442
Publisher: John Wiley and Sons Ltd
URL: https://doi.org/10.1155/amse/5574675
DOI: 10.1155/amse/5574675
Data Access Statement: The data that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.
