Abstract
Bacterial cellulose (BC) has been attracting attention for its utilities in a
variety of applications. Its nanofibrous nature offers a high surface area for the
formulation of composites through physical, chemical, or biological methods. BC
composites have been formed by combining with a wide range of molecules to impart
additional functions. This chapter summarizes the additives and techniques to modify
BC to form nanocomposites for applications in different industrial sectors. The chapter
starts with an overview of BC’s unique properties that are essential for composite
design. The types of additives or reinforcement agents utilized to form composites are
discussed, followed by techniques employed to formulate the composites. The last
section showcases the applications of BC and BC composites in the areas of
pharmaceuticals, food, diagnostics, cosmetics and as a general matrix.