THE NON-SPHERULITIC BIREFRINGENCE IN CELLULOSE PELLICLES OF ACETOBACTER XYLINUM

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Abstract
The development of non-spherulitic, threadlike birefringence, observable in pellicles of bacterial cellulose from Acetobacter xylinum, is described. This birefringence is a consequence of the formation of bundles of parallel cellulose microfibrils within the pellicle. The reason for this parallel orientation is unknown and all attempts to influence it have failed. The development of the birefringent threads within the pellicle is often accompanied by formation of streaks of lipid-like material Boating on the surface of the medium. The distribution of these streaks is similar to the distribution of the non-spherulitic birefringence. This similarity in distribution may be a reflection of a common origin.

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