Bacterial Cellulose Biosynthesis: Applications in Membrane Tensegrity
Through the ancient process of kombucha brewing, a mutualistic culture of acetobacter, and yeasts produces a bacterial cellulose biofilm the surface of a liquid culture. This material has a high tensile strength, and has been used for numerous applications in the growth of clothing.
Bacterial cellulose dehydrates over a period of 24 hours, and fuses to itself if dried while touching, forming a semi-airtight bond
Acetobacter Lamp
I grew bacterial cellulose on my own food waste (sweet potato skins, banana peels, apple cores, and kale stems) which was simmered for 45minutes on low heat and then sterilized for 1 hour at 15psi. The two circular sections of material produced were then dried over hemispherical molds in order to create a domed shape. These pieces were then rewetted along the edge and pinched together.
I wired a multicolored LED that changes color based on the amount of the charge in the battery, from blue through the spectrum to red. The battery is rechargeable and connects to a 5v solar panel and charges fully in 2 hours in direct sun through my window on east 1st st NYC.
Biosynthesis of membrane tensegrity structures
Tensegrity icosahedron with tensile cords replaced by continuous membrane
Bacterial Cellulose Tetrahedral Tensegrity Solar Aircraft
Bacterial Cellulose Sphere.
