EP4355104A1 - Cellulosefaseradditiv aus kombucha-biofilmen - Google Patents

Cellulosefaseradditiv aus kombucha-biofilmen

Info

Publication number
EP4355104A1
EP4355104A1 EP22825627.7A EP22825627A EP4355104A1 EP 4355104 A1 EP4355104 A1 EP 4355104A1 EP 22825627 A EP22825627 A EP 22825627A EP 4355104 A1 EP4355104 A1 EP 4355104A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
paper
fiber
additive
fiber product
cellulose
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Pending
Application number
EP22825627.7A
Other languages
English (en)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP4355104A4 (de
Inventor
Shaun MOSHASHA
Cutter GRATHWOHL
James Mahoney
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Kombucha Biomaterials LLC
Original Assignee
Kombucha Biomaterials LLC
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from US17/346,532 external-priority patent/US12098508B2/en
Application filed by Kombucha Biomaterials LLC filed Critical Kombucha Biomaterials LLC
Publication of EP4355104A1 publication Critical patent/EP4355104A1/de
Publication of EP4355104A4 publication Critical patent/EP4355104A4/de
Pending legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D21—PAPER-MAKING; PRODUCTION OF CELLULOSE
    • D21H—PULP COMPOSITIONS; PREPARATION THEREOF NOT COVERED BY SUBCLASSES D21C OR D21D; IMPREGNATING OR COATING OF PAPER; TREATMENT OF FINISHED PAPER NOT COVERED BY CLASS B31 OR SUBCLASS D21G; PAPER NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D21H11/00—Pulp or paper, comprising cellulose or lignocellulose fibres of natural origin only
    • D21H11/12—Pulp from non-woody plants or crops, e.g. cotton, flax, straw, bagasse
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C08—ORGANIC MACROMOLECULAR COMPOUNDS; THEIR PREPARATION OR CHEMICAL WORKING-UP; COMPOSITIONS BASED THEREON
    • C08L—COMPOSITIONS OF MACROMOLECULAR COMPOUNDS
    • C08L1/00—Compositions of cellulose, modified cellulose or cellulose derivatives
    • C08L1/02—Cellulose; Modified cellulose
    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D21—PAPER-MAKING; PRODUCTION OF CELLULOSE
    • D21C—PRODUCTION OF CELLULOSE BY REMOVING NON-CELLULOSE SUBSTANCES FROM CELLULOSE-CONTAINING MATERIALS; REGENERATION OF PULPING LIQUORS; APPARATUS THEREFOR
    • D21C9/00—After-treatment of cellulose pulp, e.g. of wood pulp, or cotton linters ; Treatment of dilute or dewatered pulp or process improvement taking place after obtaining the raw cellulosic material and not provided for elsewhere
    • D21C9/001—Modification of pulp properties
    • D21C9/002—Modification of pulp properties by chemical means; preparation of dewatered pulp, e.g. in sheet or bulk form, containing special additives
    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D21—PAPER-MAKING; PRODUCTION OF CELLULOSE
    • D21H—PULP COMPOSITIONS; PREPARATION THEREOF NOT COVERED BY SUBCLASSES D21C OR D21D; IMPREGNATING OR COATING OF PAPER; TREATMENT OF FINISHED PAPER NOT COVERED BY CLASS B31 OR SUBCLASS D21G; PAPER NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D21H21/00—Non-fibrous material added to the pulp, characterised by its function, form or properties; Paper-impregnating or coating material, characterised by its function, form or properties
    • D21H21/14—Non-fibrous material added to the pulp, characterised by its function, form or properties; Paper-impregnating or coating material, characterised by its function, form or properties characterised by function or properties in or on the paper
    • D21H21/16—Sizing or water-repelling agents
    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D21—PAPER-MAKING; PRODUCTION OF CELLULOSE
    • D21H—PULP COMPOSITIONS; PREPARATION THEREOF NOT COVERED BY SUBCLASSES D21C OR D21D; IMPREGNATING OR COATING OF PAPER; TREATMENT OF FINISHED PAPER NOT COVERED BY CLASS B31 OR SUBCLASS D21G; PAPER NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D21H21/00—Non-fibrous material added to the pulp, characterised by its function, form or properties; Paper-impregnating or coating material, characterised by its function, form or properties
    • D21H21/14—Non-fibrous material added to the pulp, characterised by its function, form or properties; Paper-impregnating or coating material, characterised by its function, form or properties characterised by function or properties in or on the paper
    • D21H21/18—Reinforcing agents
    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06M—TREATMENT, NOT PROVIDED FOR ELSEWHERE IN CLASS D06, OF FIBRES, THREADS, YARNS, FABRICS, FEATHERS OR FIBROUS GOODS MADE FROM SUCH MATERIALS
    • D06M16/00—Biochemical treatment of fibres, threads, yarns, fabrics, or fibrous goods made from such materials, e.g. enzymatic

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to the production and use of specialty cellulose and cellulose derivatives using the SCOBY (Symbiotic Colony of Bacteria and Yeast) produced as the side stream of Kombucha fermentation.
  • SCOBY Symbiotic Colony of Bacteria and Yeast
  • Cellulose strands are essentially packages of microfibrils, which are each individual packages of elementary fibrils which are nano-scale fiber units.
  • the manufacturing of cellulose is an ancient practice that has been well documented and industrialized; it is only in recent years however (e.g., the 21st century) that plant-based cellulose has been purposefully microfibrillated.
  • Different high value cellulosic derivatives made from digested wood pulp have been developed.
  • CNC Cellulose nanocrystals
  • NFC nanofibrillated cellulose
  • MFC microfibrillated cellulose
  • NC nanocellulose
  • dissolving cellulose dissolving cellulose
  • regenerated cellulose dissolving cellulose
  • Stora Enso holds a large number of patents for various methodologies of producing MFC and claims to employ an MFC additive in a portion of a commercial paper products.
  • Stora Enso also includes in some of its patents that its MFC can be used for “Fibrous materials such as filaments or mats, and polymer composites comprising such materials are also described” (see, e.g., U.S. Patent Publication No. 2020/0339783).
  • Stora Enso also holds a patent for use of MFC as a surface coating on cardboard (see U.S. Patent Publication No.
  • KBC represents a unique form of and source of nano-crystalline cellulose with viability for use in place of or in conjunction with alternative fiber additives, including but not limited to paper products and reinforced paper composites.
  • An object of the present invention is to use KBC as a unique form of and source of nano crystalline cellulose having viability for use in place of or in conjunction with alternative fiber additives, such as for paper products and reinforced paper composites.
  • Kombucha is the name for a fermented tea that has been popular in many cultures throughout the eastern hemisphere for thousands of years. These cultures claim a significant health benefit to be gained by drinking Kombucha, namely due to the high nutritional content and probiotic activity of the beverage.
  • the name of the beverage in many cultures translates into “tea fungus” or “tea mushroom” due to the growth of a gelatinous biofilm (also known as a pellicle) at the liquid-gas interface.
  • the biofilm is not a mushroom, but instead is what is known as a SCOBY, or a Symbiotic Colony of Bacteria and Yeast. While the microbial makeup of the SCOBY varies depending on the source of the culture, some of the more persistent organisms contained within Kombucha include Saccharomyces and Gluconacetobacter xylinus.
  • the Kombucha bacterial culture is a symbiotic colony comprising at least gluconacetobacter xylinus.
  • Other microorganisms contained in the culture may include, but are not limited to any yeasts, including Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Brettanomyces bruxellensis, Candida stellata, Schizosaccharomyces pombe, and Zygosaccharomyces bailii and any other microorganism derived from the genera Acetobacter, Azotobacter, Rhizobium, Agrobacterium, Pseudomonas, Gluconacetobacter, Alcaligenes, Lactobacillus, Lactococcus, Leuconostoc, Bifidobacterium, Thermus, Allobaculum, Ruminococcaceae, Incertae Sedis, Enterococcus, Salmonella, Sarcina, and Propionibacterium.
  • KBC is chemically pure (or near pure) cellulose, free from any other biopolymers such as lignin, hemicellulose, and pectin.
  • KBC has a high degree of crystallinity and fibers that already exist on the micro and nano scale.
  • the inventors have determined that the industrial production of KBC offers a sustainable, affordable, high purity and environmentally friendly alternative to wood for the production of Cellulose Derivatives. Further, as determined by the inventors, novel and unique growth methods of KBC allow for the production of specialty cellulose that can be processed directly rather than be converted to Cellulose Derivatives. The use of KBC as described herein would thus be commercially, economically and environmentally beneficial and promote the development of the circular economy.
  • KBC has particularly high water retentivity due to the microscopic scale of its fiber. This leads to production complications when incorporating KBC in large scale manufacturing due to long drainage times in the paper formation stage, for example.
  • KBC while structurally preferable to plant-based cellulose according to the present invention, is typically considered to be not commercially viable to produce, including by those skilled in the art of cellulosic fiber manufacturing.
  • Cellulose is an important structural component of the primary cell wall of green plants, many forms of algae and the oomycetes. See FIG. 1 for specific comparisons of cellulose content by proportion of biomass across various organisms.
  • Cellulose being one of the most abundant natural polymer on Earth, is present in many objects, both naturally occurring and synthetic, that humans interact with nearly daily.
  • the material is non-toxic, relatively inert, and any form of allergy to cellulose is exceedingly rare.
  • Cellulose can even be harmlessly absorbed by pores in the skin.
  • KBC is ideal to use in the cosmetics industry due to its purity and its smaller dimensions, which facilitate absorption into the skin.
  • BC fibers offer distinct material properties such as high length to width ratio, high water retention, high crystallinity index, high purity, and customizable surface chemistry that are unlike plant based cellulose.
  • the chemical structure of BC is identical to its plant counterpart which is typically purified during the Kraft process.
  • BC is a linear polysaccharide chain consisting of D-glucose units connected by beta-linkages on the order of hundreds to thousands of units long.
  • BC fiber structure is considered ultra fine and ribbon-shaped with a width of 0.1-0.01 micrometers (obtained using SEM) or approximately 100 times thinner than plant cellulose (Backdahl, Henrik et al., 2005; Abitbol, Tiffany, et al ., 2016). While orders of magnitude finer than plant cellulose fiber, BC fiber exhibits similar fiber lengths of around 2-0.1 mm when compared with plants fiber lengths ranging from 2-0.8 mm (Choi et al., 2020; Ververis et al. , 2003).
  • the polar fiber Due to the fine nature of BC, the polar fiber possesses a high water retention two to three orders of magnitude larger than typical plant cellulose fibers (Karippien, 2017; Ververis et al ., 2003). Additionally, the crystallinity index is higher (67-96%) (Andritsou et al ., 2018;
  • MFC nanoscale cellulose fibers derived from plant matter that exhibit similar nano properties which are typically referred to as MFC. Since MFC is plant derived cellulose it initially contains other biopolymers such as lignin, hemicellulose, and pectin.
  • the SCOBY formed on top of the Kombucha culture is a discarded waste product of Kombucha fermentation.
  • the SCOBY is considered a high quality and high purity form of bacterial cellulose that is constructed from a woven mesh of crystalline cellulose tendrils measuring nanometers in diameter and with an unknown length, thought to be in micrometers, giving the SCOBY strength. It is an object of the present invention to show unique growth, manufacturing and treatment processes, as described herein, to enable the KBC to be used in many potential industries, including but not limited to, paper and packaging, biomedical and pharmaceuticals, food and cosmetics, biosensors and energy storage, and/or textiles and materials.
  • Cellulose is also an edible, inert organic that is used in food packaging and as filler in food products to bolster volume, fiber content of food and preservation. Fiber is of significant nutritional benefit for its positive effect on the digestive tract and the potential improvement to internal regulation of sugar and cholesterol as the fiber passes through the human body.
  • Cellulose being extremely rich in dietary fiber, aids in metabolism and can bond to excess sugars and cholesterol in the bloodstream, effectively regulating internal body conditions for overall improved health and metabolism.
  • KBC has unique properties and dimensions compared to the standard accepted values for typical plant-based fiber types.
  • the Fiber Properties chart in FIG. 1 is based off of published research gathered from an array of sources. The chart demonstrates a diverse set of selected fiber bearing organisms, many of which can be used for manufacturing. Note that many factors such as climate, age of organism at time of harvest, and part of organism harvested all have significant impact on the exact dimensions reported. There is also limited published research on the full morphology of many fiber-bearing organisms; as such, different sources, spanning individual studies and methodologies, have been surveyed to construct the chart. Given the variable methodology and ranges of errors, note that this graphic does not include error analysis of any values, nor is it a comprehensive study of all fiber bearing organisms.
  • the growth conditions of Kombucha SCOBY can be controlled, the properties of the resulting KBC can be kept consistent or highly consistent and is tunable depending on the conditions provided.
  • the growth conditions of the KBC has several variables that can be modified, including but not limited to nutrient substrate, carbon source, temperature, humidity, gas content, pH, microorganism selection, growth time, light exposure, and sound frequency.
  • FIG. l is a chart showing fiber properties as indicated.
  • FIG. 2A shows an example of how Kombucha-derived Bacterial Cellulose impacts the tensile strength of paper.
  • FIG. 2B shows an example of average tensile index for 10 samples of both BNC-treated and untreated papers plotted according to decreasing Kraft fiber percentage and increasing recycled cardboard content.
  • the structural integrity of Kombucha cellulose provides improvements to many existing fiber products by enhancing desirable properties including but not limited to tensile strength, burst strength, air permeability, mold-free shelf life, hydrophobicity and porosity.
  • the present invention relates to the production and use of specialty cellulose and cellulose derivatives using the SCOBY (Symbiotic Colony of Bacteria and Yeast) produced as the side stream of Kombucha fermentation, collectively known as Kombucha-derived Bacterial Cellulose (KBC).
  • SCOBY Symbiotic Colony of Bacteria and Yeast
  • KBC Kombucha-derived Bacterial Cellulose
  • Fiber products is a term encapsulating packaging and paper industry products involving cellulose including but not limited to, food additives and/or edible food packaging, such as for sausage casing or edible filler material used in food product manufacturing, fiberboard products, such as cardboard, and cosmetic applications.
  • Kombucha fermentation and cellulose production have been known for several hundred years
  • the current innovation described herein is the novel and non-obvious combination of these at least two processes in order to create a specialty cellulose and cellulose derivatives.
  • the use of Kombucha SCOBY as a fiber product substrate or as an additive to fiber product substrates presents several unexpected advantages that lead to the development of a superior fiber product, such as the small nanofibers which can intercalate themselves between the larger fibers of traditional plant based cellulose, or other polymers, reducing the porosity, altering the barrier properties, and increasing tensile strength, along with a host of other properties.
  • An innovative approach is, in one possible embodiment of the current invention, 1) removing the SCOBY biofilm from the Kombucha culture, 2) processing that SCOBY biofilm into fibers of desired dimensions while retaining their properties, and 3) replacing the solvent to remove acids, organics, heavy metals, and/or other molecules that would interfere with the bonding of the Kombucha fiber, but without disturbing the intrinsic properties of the Kombucha fiber itself.
  • the present invention demonstrates an innovative synthesis and use of Kombucha SCOBY to enhance the properties of fiber products using a fiber additive made from bacterial cellulose derived from the SCOBY biomass.
  • a batch of Kombucha contains, in embodiments: (1) at least one beneficial yeast, (2) acetobacter (a beneficial bacteria in the SCOBY), (3) gluconic acid (a pH regulator), and (4) acetic acid (an antimicrobial acid, which also stabilizes blood sugar). Most batches of Kombucha will also contain an analgesic (pain reliever), an anti -arthritic compound, an antispasmodic compound, a liver-protective compound, and several antibacterial compounds.
  • the final (resultant) Kombucha SCOBY fiber additive product contains a blend of beneficial bacteria and yeast (probiotics) as well as certain acids, enzymes, vitamins and other nutrients that aid digestion, detoxify the body, and promote an efficacious impact on health.
  • Bacterial Cellulose refers to the biofilm created by microbial cultures upon conversion of a nutrient substrate during the fermentation process. While traditional Bacterial Cellulose is grown using very limited substrates, Kombucha is a robust organism and can be trained to grow Kombucha-derived Bacterial Cellulose (KBC) using various substrates, including but not limited to: tea, coffee, red wine, white wine, malts/beers, and residual juices from fruits (e.g., tangerine or lime), vegetables, coconut milk, or other organic matter.
  • the novel fiber product additive further comprises at least one chemical or ingredient selected from: a flavorant, a colorant, a vitamin, or a combination thereof.
  • the flavorant may be selected from: beet juice, lemon juice, mint, or another natural fruit or vegetable flavor, in aspects.
  • the color of the fiber product additive is selected from: tan (e.g., derived from black tea substrate), purple (e.g., derived from red wine substrate), white (e.g., derived from white wine substrate), or a combination thereof.
  • the fiber product additive is flavored by other additives in the Kombucha.
  • Kombucha can be flavored by both natural and synthetic ingredients or components, including but not limited to beet juice, lemon juice, mint, or any other fruit/vegetable, or organic product.
  • the fiber product additive further comprises a vitamin, a mineral, a botanical, or a combination thereof. Examples of vitamins include: B12, A, C, D, and E. Examples of botanicals include: acai, green tea, black tea, and grape seed.
  • the fiber additive derived from the Kombucha SCOBY may be produced by growing and harvesting microbial cellulose via the procedures described in the related patent application publication no. 2019/0174815, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein. Additionally, to purify this additive and prepare it for varied uses as a versatile fiber additive, additional steps may be taken to assure product quality and regularity. Such additional steps may include the removal of impurities, such as proteins, fats, nucleic acids, and heavy metals, and the balancing of pH. The process influences the properties of the final fiber additive product and is designed to generate resultant properties that are, in aspects, non-volatile, consumer safe, and highly pure, and which retain as many of the positive natural properties of KBC as possible.
  • the product When used as a fiberboard additive in a paper product, such as cardboard or construction paper, the product may further comprise 0.1-5% by weight of a paper additive, other than the Kombucha SCOBY fiber, selected from calcium carbonate, formation aid PEO (polyethylene oxide), lime, soda ash, coagulant, kaolin clay, flame retardant, gelatin sizing, sizing, methyl cellulose, or a combination thereof.
  • a paper additive other than the Kombucha SCOBY fiber, selected from calcium carbonate, formation aid PEO (polyethylene oxide), lime, soda ash, coagulant, kaolin clay, flame retardant, gelatin sizing, sizing, methyl cellulose, or a combination thereof.
  • the fiber composition may be calculated by considering the weight of wet SCOBY that must be added to a fiber blend, such that 1kg of SCOBY added to 99kg of other fiber or polymers constitutes 1% w/w (weight by weight or weight per weight), by example or illustration.
  • the fiber composition may be considered as the addition of dry Kombucha fiber that must be added to a fiber blend, such that 1kg of Kombucha Fiber added to 99kg of other fiber or polymers constitutes 1% w/w.
  • the composition of a paper additive as described above, may be considered as the weight of the paper additive that is added to a total fiber blend, such that 1kg of paper additive in 99kg of total fiber, comprised of Kombucha fiber, SCOBY, other fibers and/or polymers, yields 1% w/w.
  • any of the above compositions may be calculated as weight by volume, such that 1kg SCOBY, Kombucha fiber, or paper additive, when added to 100L of solution, yields 1% w/v (weight by volume).
  • the solution in question can be water or water that has already been combined with other fiber or polymers, in aspects.
  • the Kombucha fiber additive when used as a fiberboard additive in a cardboard product, may increase the proportion of recycled fiber usable and decrease the proportion of virgin fiber needed.
  • the Kombucha fiber additive when used as a fiberboard additive in a cardboard product, may increase the mechanical and barrier properties of the cardboard.
  • KBC when used as a fiber additive in a food casing, filler, hard form consumable, soft form consumable, and/or ice nucleation agent, helps in preservation of food.
  • the KBC fiber additive incorporates various biologies to prevent spoilage and/or to maintain improved, ideal or near ideal conditions.
  • the Kombucha fiber additive when used as a fiber additive in a food casing, affects the material properties of the casing by inciting bacterial resistance to pathogens including but not limited to Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Bacillus subtilis.
  • the Kombucha fiber additive When used as a fiber additive in a food casing, the Kombucha fiber additive imparts the following impactful properties: tensile strength, in situ moldability, water holding capacity, biocompatibility and biodegradability, porosity, crystallinity, air permeability, fibre length, and fiber diameter.
  • the Kombucha fiber additive when used as a fiber additive in a food product or casing for a food product, is an edible, non-toxic additive to food or food packaging which provides nutritional value and is food safe. Microcrystalline cellulose has been shown to provide positive effects on gastrointestinal physiology, and hypolipidemic effects, influencing the expression of enzymes involved in lipid metabolism, as well as benefits to metabolic pathways based on the dietary fiber content of KBC. Additionally, synthetic sweeteners can be absorbed by the fiber additive which can then be used as a carrier for a wide variety of frozen and other foodstuffs. [0037] EXAMPLE 3
  • the Kombucha fiber additive when used as a fiber additive in a cellulosic fiber based surface coating for packaging, enhances barrier properties such as air permeability, water vapor permeability, moisture barrier properties, porosity, hydrophobicity, thermal insulative stability, burst strength, compression strength, tensile strength, elongation, tear strength, stiffness, elastic modulus, smoothness, electrostatic stability, and/or radiation absorption, and improves shelf life and stability.
  • barrier properties such as air permeability, water vapor permeability, moisture barrier properties, porosity, hydrophobicity, thermal insulative stability, burst strength, compression strength, tensile strength, elongation, tear strength, stiffness, elastic modulus, smoothness, electrostatic stability, and/or radiation absorption, and improves shelf life and stability.
  • the Kombucha fiber additive when used as a fiber additive in a hydrocarbon surface coating (synthetic bio-polymer including but not limited to Polylactic acid (PLA), Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA), Polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB), etc., which has been mechanically introduced to the Kombucha fiber additive), the Kombucha fiber additive enhances barrier properties in addition to those cited in Figure 3, such as adhesion between layered bioplastics.
  • Thermoplastic com starch (TPCS) films a relative standard for U.S. industry practices, require the addition of plasticizers in specific quantities to produce appropriate barrier properties, though the addition of nanobiocomposites such as KBC can compensate for these property specifications.
  • BC can be used according to the present invention to improve the properties of hydrocarbon coatings in a variety of packaging and food packaging applications.
  • EXAMPLE 5 when used as a fiber additive in synthetic fabric products, such as for textiles in garments, speaker technology, medical sutures, and industrial cloth or rope made from cellulose, the Kombucha fiber additive as described herein imparts mechanical resistance, dimensional stability, tension resistance, lowered weight, enhanced durability, absorption in a hydrated state, enhanced water retention capacity, selective porosity, enhanced resistance when humid, and enhanced capacity of retention with regards to the surface-volume relation.
  • the unique Kombucha fiber additive when used as a fiber additive in synthetic leather products, the unique Kombucha fiber additive imparts insulative capabilities and unique texture.
  • the Kombucha SCOBY can be conditioned to form a leather like material on its own.
  • the steps involved, in aspects, include solvent exchange with the Kombucha SCOBY to remove acids, organics, salts, and/or other impurities.
  • the SCOBY can be simultaneously dehydrated while one or a variety of oils and/or waxes are applied to maintain its malleability.
  • the material can be mechanically worked (e.g., rigorously mechanically worked) and/or manipulated to impart elasticity, durability, and/or longevity to the material.
  • the KBC when used as a fiber additive in medical grade wound dressings and bandages the KBC can enhance tensile properties, water holding capacity, biocompatibility, and porosity and permeability to gases, allowing them to maintain a suitable moist environment, and to absorb wound exudates.
  • KBC has a liquid storage capacity impactful for the transference of medically significant liquids (note U.S. Patent No. 4,588,400, hereby incorporated by reference herein), such as cyclosporin to reduce risk of implant rejection, antimicrobial, antiviral, and antifungal agents for wound dressing, or other pertinent drugs to aid in the effectiveness of a wound dressing.
  • the liquid storage capabilities of the fiber additive can be used for this task as the liquid held within the fiber additive is slowly dispersed throughout the environment by processes requiring no additional mechanization, instigation, bioengineering, or administering of chemicals or additional chemicals.
  • a degree of dispersion of submicron hydrophilic cellulose fibers when used as a fiber additive in growth media substrate, provides a superior growing medium for both plant and animal tissues, partially due to the constant water supply coupled with air permeability that allows root hairs to breath and remain hydrated (not drown) and partially due to structural stability.
  • the same characteristics enable KBC gels to perform as seed coatings which can be engineered to space out seeds within a prefab membrane.
  • KBC can be injected with fertilizers, pesticides, etc. and slowly disperse them throughout the environment while being resistant to viruses and pathogens.
  • the surface area of the fiber additive when used as a fiber additive in biofiltration sponges, enables increased holding capacity and rate of absorption of the biofilter, particularly in vapor populated environments. Dimensional stability with regards to high or extreme temperatures including hot water are of particular benefit to this particular embodiment of the invention.
  • the invention described herein can be used as a fiber additive in insulation, such as aerosolized spray insulation for construction projects, wherein the additive imparts non-toxicity or less toxicity, a degree of biodegradability, insulative properties, and homogeneity of the insulation product.
  • the Kombucha fiber when used as a fiber additive in cosmetic skin care products such as lotions, moisturizers, and makeup, creates a stable oil- in-water emulsion that does not cause skin irritation, provides a high degree of hydration and can penetrate pores without damaging or poisoning the user.
  • KBC can be beneficial to hair appearance, body, and feel due to submicron association of KBC fibrils in large quantities with hair follicles.
  • the fiber additive s liquid holding capacity and natural dispersal process allows the fiber additive to carry skin treating compounds, wrinkle treating or removing compounds, other drugs, emoluments, hair treatments, and hormones for the skin.
  • the invention can be used as a fiber additive in resins, gums, and gels, including but not limited to examples such as Xanthan and alginate, which individually have many industrial applications.
  • fiber additive resultant increase in strength properties and flexibility can be achieved.
  • the invention can be used as a fiber additive to create or be added as a component/ingredient of any of the following: Labels, Cards, Paperboard Boxes, Wrapping Paper, Tissue Paper, Receipts, Specialty Paper, Coated Papers, Leather, Waterproofing Papers, Kitchen Paper Products (napkins, paper plates), Cover Paper, Film Sheets, Sketching/ Art Paper, Adhesive Stickers, Coffee Filters, Vapor Filters, Wallpaper, Clothing, Raincoat Ponchos, Folders, Office Supplies, School Supplies, Waterproof Leather Sheets, Retail products (barcode labels, price tags), Paper Bags (wine gift bags, grocery bags), Film Paper, Contact Paper, Bottle labels, Poster Boards, Paper Box, Corrugated PaperBoard, Folding Paper Cartons, Sticky Notes, Notepads, Toilet Roll, Paper Roll, Construction materials, Insulation, Tea Bags, Tobacco & Marijuana Industry paper products, Cigarette Papers, Cigarette Rolling Paper
  • KBC can be used in whole or as an additive to create or act as a component/ingredient of hydrogels.
  • FIG. 2 A shows an example of how Kombucha-derived Bacterial Cellulose impacts the tensile strength of paper.
  • FIG. 2A shows the matrix of average GSM (grams per square meter) and average maximum tensile force before failure in Newtons of sheets of varying composition, both with and without the addition of BNC.
  • FIG. 2B shows an example of average tensile index for 10 samples of both BNC-treated and untreated papers plotted according to decreasing Kraft fiber percentage and increasing recycled cardboard content.
  • the analysis was conducted on the raw data and averages to control for GSM variation.
  • the tensile index for paper is calculated by dividing the average maximum tensile force by the specimen width (2.54 cm) and then dividing by the average GSM. This assumes a linear correlation between GSM and tensile force and is regularly used by the paper industry.
  • the horizontal axis is demarcated by the percentage dry weight of kraft fiber in each of the sheets. Two separate groups of data are apparent and represent the tensile indexes of recycled cardboard vs.
  • This data analysis provides a basis to substantiate the aspect of the invention described herein that the addition of BNC can be used to substitute Kraft fiber with OCC (Old Corrugated Containers) fiber. Additionally, similar horizontal axis values between the two regressions offer insight into the amount of Kraft fiber, in aspects, that can be reduced while maintaining performance.
  • the average tensile index is 0.24 for the 50 percent Kraft fiber sample, and the most similar BNC additive sample has a tensile index of 0.25 and contains 28 percent Kraft fiber.
  • another horizontal grouping of non-BNC and BNC samples each shows a tensile index of 0.23 and 0.24, respectively.
  • the Kraft content for each sample set is 40 percent and 18 percent, respectively.
  • the tensile index (and other correlated mechanical properties) can be enhanced with, in aspects, minor addition of BNC to substitute up to 20 percent dry weight Kraft fiber with OCC fiber, by way of example only. It is shown in the particular case that the 100 percent Kraft paper exhibits a similar tensile index at 0.31 to the tensile index of the 48 percent Kraft paper that includes the BNC additive. This information suggests that fiber substitution could be higher. In other aspects, the fiber substitution could be lower.
  • the fiber product additive can comprise from 0.1% to 20% of the cellulose from the microbe grown in the symbiotic colony of bacteria and yeast (SCOBY) formed during Kombucha culture and/or fermentation.
  • a product comprising the fiber product additive can comprise from 0.1% to 20% of the cellulose from the microbe grown in the symbiotic colony of bacteria and yeast (SCOBY) formed during Kombucha culture and/or fermentation.
  • a paper product comprising the fiber product additive can comprise from 0.1% to 20% of the cellulose from the microbe grown in the symbiotic colony of bacteria and yeast (SCOBY) formed during Kombucha culture and/or fermentation.
  • the fiber product additive can comprise from 20% to 100% of the cellulose from the microbe grown in the symbiotic colony of bacteria and yeast (SCOBY) formed during Kombucha culture and/or fermentation.
  • a product comprising the fiber product additive can comprise from 20% to 100% of the cellulose from the microbe grown in the symbiotic colony of bacteria and yeast (SCOBY) formed during Kombucha culture and/or fermentation.
  • a paper product comprising the fiber product additive can comprise from 20% to 100% of the cellulose from the microbe grown in the symbiotic colony of bacteria and yeast (SCOBY) formed during Kombucha culture and/or fermentation.
  • the fiber product additive is incorporated in or added to a production of a bioplastic, wherein the bioplastic comprises a blend of polymers, wherein the blend of polymers includes one or more of Polylactic acid (PLA), Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA), Polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB), chitosan, keratin, and/or cornstarch.
  • a bioplastic comprising the fiber product additive comprises a blend of polymers, wherein the blend of polymers includes one or more of Polylactic acid (PLA), Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA), Polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB), chitosan, keratin, and/or cornstarch.

Landscapes

  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Medicinal Chemistry (AREA)
  • Polymers & Plastics (AREA)
  • Organic Chemistry (AREA)
  • General Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Wood Science & Technology (AREA)
  • Paper (AREA)
EP22825627.7A 2021-06-14 2022-06-14 Cellulosefaseradditiv aus kombucha-biofilmen Pending EP4355104A4 (de)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US17/346,532 US12098508B2 (en) 2017-10-13 2021-06-14 Cellulosic fiber additive formed from Kombucha biofilms
PCT/US2022/033349 WO2022266041A1 (en) 2021-06-14 2022-06-14 Cellulosic fiber additive formed from kombucha biofilms

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP4355104A1 true EP4355104A1 (de) 2024-04-24
EP4355104A4 EP4355104A4 (de) 2025-04-23

Family

ID=84527352

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP22825627.7A Pending EP4355104A4 (de) 2021-06-14 2022-06-14 Cellulosefaseradditiv aus kombucha-biofilmen

Country Status (2)

Country Link
EP (1) EP4355104A4 (de)
WO (1) WO2022266041A1 (de)

Families Citing this family (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US12098508B2 (en) * 2017-10-13 2024-09-24 Shaun Moshasha Cellulosic fiber additive formed from Kombucha biofilms
US20230340730A1 (en) * 2022-04-25 2023-10-26 Max Abecassis Facial Tissue Comprising An Interleaved Waterproofing Plastic Film.

Family Cites Families (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP3694343B1 (de) * 2017-10-13 2023-11-22 Moshasha, Shaun Aus kombucha-biofilmen hergestellte zigarettenpapierrollen
US12098508B2 (en) * 2017-10-13 2024-09-24 Shaun Moshasha Cellulosic fiber additive formed from Kombucha biofilms
EP4378340A3 (de) * 2019-03-28 2024-08-14 Next-Gen Leather, S.L. Lederalternativmaterial

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP4355104A4 (de) 2025-04-23
WO2022266041A1 (en) 2022-12-22

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
Reshmy et al. Nanocellulose-based products for sustainable applications-recent trends and possibilities
Pirozzi et al. The use of nanocellulose in edible coatings for the preservation of perishable fruits and vegetables
Amoroso et al. Sustainable cellulose nanofiber films from carrot pomace as sprayable coatings for food packaging applications
US12098508B2 (en) Cellulosic fiber additive formed from Kombucha biofilms
Mateo et al. Nanocellulose from agricultural wastes: Products and applications—A review
Skočaj Bacterial nanocellulose in papermaking
KR102094637B1 (ko) 항균성이 우수한 생분해성 부직포 및 생분해성 부직포의 제조방법
Saba et al. Potential utilization of kenaf biomass in different applications
JPWO2007088974A1 (ja) セルロースナノ繊維を用いる撥水性と耐油性の付与方法
Wasim et al. An overview of Zn/ZnO modified cellulosic nanocomposites and their potential applications
EP4355104A1 (de) Cellulosefaseradditiv aus kombucha-biofilmen
Samanta et al. Recycled fibrous and nonfibrous biomass for value-added textile and nontextile applications
Jain et al. Functionalization of sugarcane bagasse–based paper with amla pomace/titanium dioxide nanoparticles providing antimicrobial protection for food safety
Amr et al. Bacterial cellulose: biosynthesis and applications
Vinay et al. Banana Pseudostem: An Innovative and Sustainable Packaging Material: A Review
Suryanto et al. Bacterial nanocellulose from agro-industrial wastes
Vinitskaia et al. Environmental Sustainability, Food Quality and Convertibility of Bio‐Based Barrier Coatings for Fibre‐Based Food Packaging: A Semisystematic Review
Zhou et al. CO2 escaping in situ endowed the antimicrobial nanocellulose packaging film with a microporous structure
Mathura et al. Non-wood Plants as Sources of Cellulose for Paper and Biodegradable Composite Materials: An Updated Review
Peña-Ortiz et al. Recent nanocelullose applications for sustainable Agriculture—A review
Al‐Zu'bi et al. Nanocellulose Technologies: Production, Functionalization, and Applications in Medicine and Pharmaceuticals‐A Review
Rogova et al. State and prospects of improving the methods of production and use of bacterial cellulose (a review)
Ahmed et al. Microbial cellulose based films and composites for food packaging: A review
Fadil et al. Advanced application of electrospun polycaprolactone fibers for seed germination activity
Juani et al. Recent Advance in Biodegradable Packaging from Banana Plant Feedstock: A Comprehensive Review

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: THE INTERNATIONAL PUBLICATION HAS BEEN MADE

PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: REQUEST FOR EXAMINATION WAS MADE

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 20240112

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

DAV Request for validation of the european patent (deleted)
DAX Request for extension of the european patent (deleted)
A4 Supplementary search report drawn up and despatched

Effective date: 20250319

RIC1 Information provided on ipc code assigned before grant

Ipc: C08L 1/02 20060101ALI20250314BHEP

Ipc: D21H 21/18 20060101ALI20250314BHEP

Ipc: D21H 19/52 20060101ALI20250314BHEP

Ipc: D21H 17/25 20060101ALI20250314BHEP

Ipc: D21H 17/15 20060101ALI20250314BHEP

Ipc: D06M 16/00 20060101ALI20250314BHEP

Ipc: A23F 3/10 20060101AFI20250314BHEP