Sustainable microbial cellulose production using ocean water

Microbial cellulose production typically relies on freshwater (FW) and nutrient-rich media. This study introduces a method that reduces FW usage by employing Komagataeibacter xylinus to produce cellulose by using 50% ocean water (OW) as the medium. Under improved conditions, a cellulose dry concentration of 1 g L⁻¹ is achieved, demonstrating OW's viability as an alternative resource. Scanning electron microscopy reveals nanofiber diameter variations of 58 nm in nutrient-rich FW and 47 nm in 50% OW. X-ray fluorescence microscopy indicates higher elemental concentrations in the cellulose matrix produced under OW conditions. A techno-economic analysis (TEA) highlights a trade-off between maintaining material properties and lowering production costs. A comparative life cycle assessment (LCA) shows a 31% reduction in water-related environmental impacts compared with cotton-based cellulose. This approach offers a significant step toward reshaping current practices and positioning OW as a driver of sustainable bioprocesses.