Understanding the effect of different nanocelluloses on the proliferation and biomechanical properties of E. coli

Nanocellulose with specific surface chemistry exhibits divergent effects on bacterial growth. Here, we report the interaction between different nanocelluloses and Escherichia coli (E. coli). When E. coli is exposed to lignin-containing cellulose nanocrystals (L-CNCs) and TEMPO-oxidized cellulose nanofibers (T-CNFs), the growth rate is reduced, but not the viability of bacterial cells in liquid media, with L-CNCs having the most prominent effect. In situ, PeakForce quantitative nanomechanical mapping (PFQNM) revealed that the surface roughness and stiffness of E. coli were affected when in direct contact with the nanocellulose during incubation, except for the cells attached to CNCs, which promote strong adhesion and even the embedding of E. coli. Thus, nanocelluloses with certain surface chemistries, such as T-CNFs and L-CNCs, could be used as complements or alternatives to antimicrobial drugs for controlling and limiting bacterial growth in liquid media and further biofilm formation on surfaces.