Stable bacterial cellulose suspensions

Abstract

The present invention relates to stable bacterial cellulose suspensions, BC powders which have good redispersibility, compositions comprising the same and methods of production and uses of the same.

Description

[0001] Stable bacterial cellulose suspensions

[0002] Technical field

[0003] The present invention relates to stable bacterial cellulose suspensions, BC powders which have good redispersibility, compositions comprising the same and methods of production and uses of the same.

[0004] Background

[0005] Bacterial cellulose (BC) is an exo-polysaccharide commonly produced by the genus Acetobacter / Gluconobacter / Komagataeibacter through transformation of sugar (glucose, sucrose, etc) which can be recovered by purification and recovery of the insoluble fibrous fraction. When produced in a dynamic fermenter, the resulting BC consists of diverse cellulosic fibers (from very fine cellulosic fibers with widths of 40 to 100 nm to bigger fibers with lengths of 100-150 urn or longer). Chemically, BC is identical to plant-derived cellulose such as microfibrillated cellulose (MFC). However, the high aspect ratio, crystallinity, and purity of BC fibers differentiates this material from MFC. Due to its unique physical properties, BC fibers tend to form a highly reticulated network structure which results in high viscosity and a yield-stress system within an aqueous liquid or aqueous solution. As such there are several promising applications of BC in personal care, home care, and food products as a rheology modifier (e.g., thickener and stabilizer of solids in water or mixture of formula). In addition, as crystalline cellulose is highly resistant to harsh environments such as high temperature, extreme pH, salts, and surfactants, using BC in a formula with aforementioned condition has an advantage over other biopolymers which are more sensitive to such conditions.

[0006] Polyacrylic acids with different modifications (known as Carbomers) are currently the most commonly used rheology modifiers in personal care products. These are anionic polymers which are effective thickeners of aqueous suspensions at low concentrations (<1 wt.%) resulting in highly viscous and smooth gels. Especially the sensorial properties of Carbomers are desirable and often outweighs the drawbacks of these polymers such as: incompatibility with cationic surfactants and low pH, as well as not being readily biodegradable. The most pressing concern regarding Carbomers is that they are not natural and may be accumulating in nature (Rozman and Kalcikova, 2021). Therefore, many industries are currently looking for green alternatives. There are a wide range of natural polymers such as proteins and polysaccharides that work as rheology modifiers. Nonetheless, whereas these polymers are commonly used to modify food stuffs, they are less widespread in personal care products. The reasons are their undesirable sensorial properties (tacky, grease, or sticky feel), incompatibility with common personal care ingredients, or stability issues (time, temperature, or pH).

[0007] Considering the above, BC has the potential to replace carbomer in personal care products due to its high viscosity, non-tacky / non-greasy / non-sticky sensorial properties, and stability over a wide range of conditions. Nonetheless, the most prominent problem with BC- and MFC as rheology modifiers is that the fibers are insoluble in water.

[0008] Therefore, high amounts of energy through mixing are required to disperse the fibers, and even then, cellulose-water separation and clumping occurs over time or at high shear rates. This severely limits the applications of BC and MFC especially in personal care products where sensorial properties are of high importance. For example, MFC dispersions have been reported to give a “stringy feel” due to the clumping of fibers upon application on the skin. Additionally, MFC solutions are known for being unstable and readily separate into a cellulose fraction and a water fraction, which limits their applications, in particular in personal care products.

[0009] To solve the problem of BC insolubility, one of two strategies are usually applied:

[0010] 1) chemical modification of the cellulose hydroxyl groups e.g. by TEMPO-oxidation (Saito et al., 2007; Jun et al., 2019), or

[0011] 2) co-precipitation with agents such as CMC or other negatively charged polymers (WO 2006 / 127810).

[0012] In the case of 1), a significant process step is added which involves harmful chemicals such as hypochlorite and aggravates scalability. In the case of 2), CMC, being a cellulose-derivative, is considered a semi synthetic due to being highly chemically modified, which prevents natural labelling. Natural polysaccharides such as xanthan gum, chitin, or pectin have also been shown to disperse BC. Nonetheless, a significant amount of these polymers such as 30-50% of the dry content are usually required to reach the desired effect. This leads to a dilution in performance of the final BC suspension in terms of sensorial properties, viscosity, solids stabilization, and stability in various systems. Summary

[0013] The invention is as defined in the claims.

[0014] The invention presented herein relates to stable bacterial cellulose (BC) suspensions, BC powders which have good redispersibility, compositions comprising the same and methods of production and uses of the same.

[0015] In particular, the invention relates to, and encompasses methods for producing, a highly viscous and water-stable (non-clumping / non-phase separating / non-flocculating) BC suspension that is stable without chemical modification or addition of other polymers. The BC suspension is suitable for, but not limited to, personal care products.

[0016] The present processed BC suspension and BC powder comprise acetan.

[0017] Hence, in one aspect, the present invention provides a processed (i.e. treated, refined, purified, or stabilised) bacterial cellulose (BC) suspension, having a ratio of acetan and BC (acetan: BC ratio) of at least 0.1:1 and: a. of at least 0.2: 1 , such as of at least 0.3:1, such as of at least 0.4: 1 , such as of at least 0.5:1 , such as of at least 0.8:1 , such as of at least 1:1 , such as of at least 1.1:1, such as of at least 1.2:1, such as of at least 1.5:1, such as of at least 1.6:1 , such as of at least 1.7:1 , such as of at least 2:1, such as of at least 2.1 :1, such as of at least 2.2:1 , such as of at least 2.5:1 , such as of at least 2.7:1 , such as of at least 2.8:1 , such as of at least 2.9:1 , such as of at least 3: 1 , such as of at least 3.5:1 , such as of at least 4:1, such as of at least 4.5:1 , such as of at least 4.6:1, such as of at least 4.7:1, such as of at least 5: 1 , such as of at least 5.5:1, such as of at least 6:1 , such as of at least 6.5:1 , such as of at least 7:1, such as of at least 7.5:1, such as of at least 8:1 , such as of at least 8.5:1, such as of at least 9: 1 , such as of at least 9.5:1 , such as of at least 10: 1 , or more; and / or b. of at the most 10: 1 , such as of at the most 9.5: 1 , such as of at the most 9:1 , such as of at the most 8.5:1 , such as of at the most 8:1 , such as of at the most 7.5:1 , such as of at the most 7:1, such as of at the most 6.5: 1 , such as of at the most 6: 1 , such as of at the most 5.5:1, such as of at the most 5:1, such as of at the most 4.7:1, such as of at the most 4.6:1, such as of at the most 4.5:1 , such as of at the most 4:1 , such as of at the most 3.5:1 , such as of at the most 3: 1 , such as of at the most 2.9:1, such as of at the most 2.8:1 , such as of at 2.7:1, such as of at the most 2.5:1, such as of at the most 2.2:1, such as of at the most 2.1:1, such as of at the most 2:1 , such as of at the most 1.7:1 , such as of at the most 1.6:1 , such as of at the most 1.5:1 , such as of at the most 1.2:1, such as of at the most 1.1 :1 , such as of at the most 1:1 , such as of at the most 0.8:1, such as of at the most 0.5: 1 , such as of at the most 0.4:1 , such as of at the most 0.3:1 , such as of at the most 0.2:1 ; and / or c. between 0.1 :1 and 10:1, such as between 0.5:1 and 7.5:1, such as between 1 :1 and 5:1, such as between 1:1 and 4.6:1, such as between 1.1 :1 and 4: 1 , such as between 2: 1 and 3: 1 , such as between 2.1:1 and 2.8:1.

[0018] In one aspect, the present invention provides a method of producing a processed BC suspension comprising acetan, said method comprising the steps of: a. incubating a cellulose-producing bacteria in a culture medium, wherein the cellulose-producing bacteria produces BC comprising acetan, thereby obtaining a fermentation broth comprising BC; b. processing said fermentation broth comprising BC to obtain a processed fermentation broth comprising a processed BC suspension; and c. recovering said processed BC suspension comprising acetan from said processed fermentation broth; thereby obtaining said processed BC suspension comprising acetan, wherein said processed BC suspension is as described herein, further wherein the ratio of acetan and BC (acetan: BC ratio) in said BC suspension comprising acetan is as defined herein.

[0019] Interestingly, the inventors have identified that BC suspensions comprising the heteropolysaccharide acetan or acetan-like polysaccharides are surprisingly stable and show superior performance with respect to stability, viscosity, and particle stabilisation. In state-of-the art, standard purification processes of BC, acetan and acetan-like polysaccharides are removed, along with other impurities. However, the inventors have found that by retaining acetan or alike polysaccharides using a mild treatment in combination with careful filtration or precipitation results in a highly viscous and stable BC suspension. Indeed, the BC suspension is non-clumping, non-phase separating, non-flocculating, water-soluble, non-precipitating stable in the presence of various salts and ionic compounds, without chemical modification(s) or the addition of polymers in the post-processing of the BC suspension. Thus, the BC suspension(s) and method(s) for producing such provided herein, eliminate the need for chemical modification of BC and the addition of additional polymers, such as either natural or synthetic polymers, including anionic polymers.

[0020] In one aspect, the present invention provides a composition comprising the processed BC suspension as described herein.

[0021] In one aspect, the present invention provides a product comprising the processed BC suspension or the composition comprising the BC suspension as described herein.

[0022] The present invention further provides the use of the processed BC suspension as a thickener, stabilizer, emulsifier, rheology modifier, film-forming agent, SPF-boosting agent and / or anti-wrinkle agent. For example, the processed BC suspension may be used to stabilize and / or enhance the stability of a MFC suspension, such as to prevent or reduce separation of the MFC suspension into a cellulose fraction and a water fraction.

[0023] Also provided herein is an MFC suspension comprising BC and acetan, preferably wherein: a. the ratio of said acetan and BC is as defined herein; b. said BC is as defined herein; and / or c. said acetan is as defined herein.

[0024] Also provided herein is a BC powder comprising BC and acetan, wherein the ratio of acetan and BC is as defined herein.

[0025] Also provided herein is a method of producing a BC powder, comprising: a. providing a processed BC suspension, said processed BC suspension comprising acetan, preferably wherein said processed BC suspension is as defined herein; b. drying said processed BC suspension; thereby obtaining said BC powder, preferably wherein said BC powder is as defined herein. In other words, the BC powder comprises acetan at the ratio described herein.

[0026] Also provided herein is a BC suspension comprising the BC powder described herein redispersed, such as resuspended, in an aqueous solution.

[0027] Also provided herein is a method for preparing said BC suspension comprising acetan, said method comprising mixing the present BC powder with an aqueous solution, thereby obtaining a BC suspension comprising acetan.

[0028] Also provided herein is the use of the processed BC suspension, of the BC powders, of the compositions or of the BC suspensions described herein, as a cosmetic product, a personal care product, a packaging product, a coating material, a strengthener, a filmforming agent, a thickener or a rheology-modifier, a stabiliser, a stabilizer, an emulsifier, a co-emulsifier, a sensorial enhancer, an SPF-boosting agent, an antiwrinkle agent, and / or as a reinforcer material.

[0029] Herein are also provided compositions comprising the present processed BC suspensions, the present BC powders or the present BC suspensions.

[0030] Also provided is a composition comprising the present BC powders, water and a quarternay ammonium compound (QLIAT), such as a polyquat; optionally wherein the concentration of BC powder is between 0.05 and 3 wt.%, for example between 0.1 and 1 wt.%, further optionally wherein the concentration of QLIAT is between 2 and 20 wt.%, such as between 5 and 15 wt.%.

[0031] Also provided is a composition comprising: a. 0.01 to 3 wt.% of resuspended BC powder, wherein the BC powder is as described herein; b. 60 to 90 wt.% water; c. 1 to 10 wt.% glycerine; and d. 5 to 20 wt.% surfactant; optionally wherein the composition further comprises preservative and / or buffer. Also provided is a product comprising the processed BC suspension, the BC powder, the BC suspension or the composition described herein.

[0032] Description of Drawings

[0033] Figure 1. Stable 1 wt.% BC suspension after shearing showing no clumping or cellulose-water separation even after application of high shear rate (100 / s) by rheometer.

[0034] Figure 2. Suspension of jojoba beads in 0.04 wt.% cellulose of a) stable BC, b) unstable BC (accumulation particle in upper and at the bottom), and c) plant MFC (no stabilized particle in the middle).

[0035] Figure 3. Visual appearance of 1 wt.% a) stable BC (no clumping), b) unstable BC (bulk cellulose clumping), and c) plant MFC (water-cellulose separation at the edges) after high shear (100 / s) application by rheometer .

[0036] Figure 4. 1 wt.% BC suspension after addition of various surfactants types such as non-ionic, zwitter-ionic and cationic (10 wt.%) showing no clumping or separation and preserving its viscosity.

[0037] Figure 5. 1 wt.% BC suspension after addition of various salts showing no clumping or separation and preserving its viscosity (10 wt.%).

[0038] Figure 6. 0.5 wt.% BC after addition of a) 10% (v / v) jojoba oil, and b) 10% (v / v) paraffin oil showing no separation.

[0039] Figure 7. 0.5 wt.% BC in a) water, and b) 50% (v / v) ethanol showing no clumping or separation.

[0040] Figure 8. UV-vis spectrum of BC suspension showing DNA peak (260 nm) and protein peak (280 nm) indicating minor residual protein and no DNA.

[0041] Figure 9. HPIC chromatogram of TFA-hydrolysed BC suspension showing a monosaccharide profile that confirms acetan / acetan-like polysaccharides in the sample. Figure 10. TFA-hydrolysed fraction (acetan) of stable BC suspension at different time points showing time required to fully degrade the acetan fraction in a sample.

[0042] Figure 11. Visual appearance of different 0.5 wt.% BC suspensions (non-stable and stable) with varying amount of acetan: low (clumping and water-cellulose separation), medium 1 (smooth gel with little-to-no clumping), medium 2 (smooth gel), and high (smooth gel) after high shear (100 / s) application by rheometer.

[0043] Figure 12. Visual appearance of 1 wt.% stable BC suspension (smooth gel), high purity BC suspension (clumping and cellulose-water separation), TEMPO-oxidized BC suspension (smooth gel), or commercial BC suspension mixture (smooth gel) after high shear (100 / s) application by rheometer.

[0044] Figure 13. Suspension of jojoba beads at different dry weight concentrations of stable BC, high purity BC, TEMPO-oxidized BC, and commercial BC mixture showing a lower dosage of stable BC required for suspending jojoba beads.

[0045] Figure 14. FTIR spectra showing differences in chemical fingerprints between stable BC (masked crystalline cellulose peaks at 1430, 1163, and 1056 cm-1as well as a carbonyl peak at 1745 cm-1); high purity BC (pronounced crystalline cellulose peaks at 1430, 1163, and 1056 cm-1); TEMPO-oxidized BC (pronounced crystalline cellulose peaks at 1430, 1163, and 1056 cm-1as well as a carbonyl peak at 1745 cm-1); and commercial BC mixture (masked crystalline cellulose peaks at 1430, 1163, and 1056 cm-1as well as a carbonyl / CMC peak at 1597 cm-1).

[0046] Figure 15. FESEM pictures showing morphological fibre and compositional differences in raw broth (no visible cellulose fibrils and abundance of fermenter byproduct), stable BC (visible cellulose fibrils embedded in polymer matrix i.e. acetan), high purity BC (visible fibrils), TEMPO-oxidized BC (visible fibrils), and commercial BC mixture (no visible cellulose fibrils and abundance of polymer matrix i.e. cellulose gum).

[0047] Figure 16. Suspension of jojoba beads in 0.04 wt.% of never-dried BC and redispersed BC; after drying BC remains stable and retains its particle suspending properties. Figure 17. Suspension of jojoba beads in 0.04 or 0.1 wt.% of plant MFC with addition of different amount of BC; showing how BC can improve MFC particle suspending properties and prevent cellulose-water separation.

[0048] Figure 18. Particle size distribution in stable BC sample as measured by light diffraction which reflects cellulose fibril lengths and fibril cluster sizes.

[0049] Detailed description

[0050] Definitions

[0051] Processed - throughout the present disclosure, the term “processed BC suspension” shall be understood to refer to any BC suspension which has been treated in any way. In other words, the term does not encompass BC suspensions in a fermentation broth which have not been modified, treated or processed in any way, i.e. it does not encompass a “raw” BC suspension either in a fermentation broth or simply recovered from a fermentation broth, but rather encompasses treated and / or recovered BC suspensions. For instance, the processed BC suspension is obtained as described herein below. The processed BC suspension is thus isolated from a broth, such as a fermentation broth, and further subjected to a treatment such as one or more of a thermal treatment, a chemical treatment, an enzymatic treatment, a centrifugation, a filtration, a precipitation treatment, a concentration step, or a step of mixing with the suspension with an additional synthetic and / or anionic polymer, such as pectin, carboxymethyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose, xanthan gum, alginates, gellan gum, diutan gum, welan gum, rhamsan gum, carrageenan, guar gum, agar, gum arabic, gum ghatti, karaya gum, gum tragacanth, tamarind gum, or locust bean gum, or a combination thereof, and optionally washing. Synonyms of “processed” are ’’treated”, “refined”, “purified”, “stabilised”, “formulated”. In particular, the processed BC suspension does not comprise living bacteria, proteins or DNA.

[0052] Clumping - The term clumping or clump as used herein refers to the tendency of particles or substances to gather together in clusters or aggregates due to attractive forces between them. This can be seen in various phenomena such as the formation of clusters of molecules in a liquid, or the aggregation of particles in a colloidal solution. In particular, the term clumping as used herein refers to the tendency of cellulose fibers or clusters to form aggregates and / or separate from water and / or a water containing formula.

[0053] Coagulation - The term coagulation as used herein refers to the process of suspended cellulose fibers coming together and forming larger aggregates or clumps due to attractive forces between them. This may lead to the formation of a denser and more cohesive structure within the BC suspension. Coagulation in a BC suspension may impact its rheological properties, stability, and overall behaviour due to a shift of structure within the suspension.

[0054] Crystallinity index (Cl) - The crystallinity index, crystallinity or Cl, is used to describe the relative amount of crystalline material in cellulose. The Cl is quantitative, and is defined as the volume fraction of crystallinity of one phase in a given sample. Methods for measuring the Cl are well known in the art. For example, it can be measured using X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), solid state13C NMR, infrared (IR) spectroscopy and Raman spectroscopy. Methods using Fourier transform-IR spectroscopy (FTIR or FT-IR) determine the Cl by measuring the relative peak heights or areas from raw spectrographic data. Methods for determining Cl using Fourier transform-IR spectroscopy are known in the art (O’Connor et al., 1958).

[0055] Proteins within a sample can make it difficult to measure the crystallinity and thus determine the Cl for example when using FTIR. To circumvent this, the sample can be treated with alcalase to remove proteins that interfered with the crystallinity measurements e.g. when using FTIR for determining Cl.

[0056] Fiber clusters - fiber clusters, i.e. particles, bundles or agglomerates, also referred to herein as BC fiber clusters and BC clusters, are the solid particles of BC which are present in a BC suspension. The method of production and purification / processing of the BC affects the size of the fiber clusters in the BC suspension. The size of the fiber clusters can be determined by methods known in the art, such as for example by MORFI analysis using a MORFI analyser, such as a MORFI LB01 system. This software performs a discrimination between fibers, shives, and fine elements through size criteria (length and width). Another method to measure fiber cluster size is laser diffraction (LD). LD is a well-known method in the art to analyse the dimensions such as size of particles. LD is based on the diffraction of a laser light / beam when it passes through a particle suspension. The smaller the particle size, the larger the diffraction angle of the laser beam will be. The particle size is calculated using a light scattering model, which can be either Fraunhofer or MIE. The MIE model is more precise for smaller particles (<25 pm), but requires the knowledge of the refractive and absorption index (also known as the real and the imaginary part of the refractive index) of both the sample and the solvent. The precision of the particle size distribution depends on how accurately the optical parameters are known.

[0057] Flocculation - The term flocculation or flocculate as used herein refers to a process of contact and adhesion occurring in the BC suspension or a composition comprising the BC suspension, wherein said process results in that the BC particles form larger-size clusters.

[0058] Smoothness - The term smoothness or smooth with reference to the texture of a suspension, herein refers to a suspension that after shearing at 10-100 / s in a rheometer does not suffer from cellulose-water separation or clumping. Smoothness occurs on a scale, e.g., a sample may be described as smooth with little-to-no clumping or smooth with slight cellulose-water separation.

[0059] Impurities - The term impurities as used herein refers to impurities which may be present in the BC of the BC suspension, i.e. compounds present in the BC or BC suspension which are not BC or water. The impurities may for example comprise: proteins; nitrogen; ions and salts thereof, such as calcium, sodium, potassium, magnesium and salts thereof, such as calcium chloride, calcium carbonate, calcium sulfate, sodium chloride, sodium carbonate, sodium sulfate, potassium chloride, potassium sulfate, potassium carbonate, magnesium chloride, magnesium carbonate or magnesium sulfate; and / or silicon and derivatives thereof, such as silica, silicates, siloxane or silicon dioxide.

[0060] The impurities may be derived from the fermentation broth in which cellulose-producing microorganisms are grown, such as wherein the impurities may be proteins, nitrogen, ions and salts thereof and / or silicon and derivatives thereof which are derived from the fermentation broth. Additionally, cellulose-producing strains often produce acetan or acetan-like polysaccharides, which have been considered an impurity. Stable suspension - The term stable suspension or stable BC suspension as used herein refers to a BC suspension which possesses one or more traits that are characteristic for a stable suspension. In other words, a stable suspension may be a suspension which does not flocculate, does not coagulate, does not clump and / or does not exhibit water-cellulose phase separation, for example upon storage for a certain amount of time or when testing said traits according to methods known in the art and disclosed herein. A stable suspension may further be characterized by that the above- mentioned traits are maintained upon extended storage; in high and / or low pH; in the presence of salt, surfactant and / or solvent, such as ethanol. A stable suspension may further capable of suspending particles in a stable manner, such as that said suspension is capable of suspending particles for a certain amount of time without said particles sedimenting and / or precipitating.

[0061] Suspension - A suspension is a heterogeneous mixture of a fluid which contains solid particles sufficiently large for sedimentation. In other words, it is a heterogeneous mixture in which the solute particles do not dissolve, but get suspended throughout the bulk of the solvent, left floating around freely in the medium.

[0062] Viscosity- Viscosity (herein dynamic viscosity), is a measure of the viscosity of a fluid, i.e. a measure of its resistance to deformation at a certain rate. The higher the viscosity, the thicker the fluid; the lower the viscosity, the thinner the fluid. Viscosity can be measured using methods known in the art, such as for example with a rheometer. The viscosity is measured against the shear rate, and has a unit of Pa s ( 10'3kg. nr1. s'1).

[0063] Water cellulose separation - Water cellulose separation as used herein refers to the process of BC fibers separating from water in a water-based BC suspension or solution, and / or the process of MFC fibers separating from water in a water-based MFC suspension or solution. The process may involve sedimentation (cellulose aggregates to the bottom), flocculation and / or coagulation of the BC fibers and / or of the MFC fibers. The terms water cellulose separation, water-cellulose separation or water- cellulose phase separation are used interchangeably herein.

[0064] Water holding capacity - The water holding capacity of a material, such as BC, is the ability of said material to physically hold water during the application of force, pressure, centrifugation and / or heating. The water holding capacity of a BC suspension may be tested using methods well known in the art. For example, the water holding capacity may be determined as described in Example 2 of the present application.

[0065] Elongation - The term elongation as used herein refers to the length to width ratio of, in particular a BC powder particle. A non-elongated particle has an elongation value near one. The average elongation may be determined based on the powder particle volume distribution or on the powder particle number distribution using a particle characterization tool, such as a Malvern Morphology G3 microscope.

[0066] Low-shear homogenization - The term low shear homogenization as used herein refers to homogenization carried out using mixing equipment such as for example magnetic stirrers, propeller mixers, or simple agitator used at high speed. This imposes lower shear as compared to mixing by high shear homogenization.

[0067] Zero-shear homogenization - The term zero shear homogenization as used herein refers to homogenization which essentially results in no shearing forces being applied to the suspension or solution / composition which is being homogenised. Zero shear homogenization may for example be carried out using a mixing equipment, such as a shaker, magnetic stirrer, propeller mixer, deflocculator, or a simple agitator used at low speed.

[0068] Microfibrillated cellulose - The term microfibrillated cellulose (MFC) may refer to a material derived from plants, such as from wood or plant cell walls. MFC may for example be produced by chemical pulping of plant biomass followed by intense mechanical processing of the millimeter sized fibers to break them down into very fine, nanoscale fibrils or microfibrils. Alternatively, MFC may be obtained from bacteria (also known as bacterial cellulose, BC) in the form of fine nano-to-micro scale cellulose fibrils. MFC from bacteria (i.e. BC), unlike most plant cellulose, does not contain hemicellulose or lignin. MFC has unique properties such as a large surface area, reactive hydroxyl groups, high strength-to-weight ratio, high viscosity at low solid content, and high temperature stability.

[0069] Particle - The term particle as used herein refers to small or tiny units or pieces of matter, e.g. particles of macroscopic, microscopic or nanoscopic size, e.g. colloidal particles, that may be used in formulations to enhance product performance, texture, and appearance. Such particles may vary in size, composition, and properties. Particles may encompass a wide range of materials, from atoms and molecules to larger structures like colloids or aggregates. The particles may serve different purposes, such as providing exfoliation, improving texture, enhancing stability, and delivering active ingredients, such as but not limited to actives in the form of oil, microbeads / microspheres, nanoparticles, emollient particles, minerals (e.g. clays, silica iron oxide, mica, etc.), pearlescents, colorants (fx: dye, pigments, activated charcoal etx.), polymeric microspheres (fx: starches, gums), adsorbents (fx: activated charcoal, alumina particles), liposomes or nanocapsules (e.g. actives such as vitamins or oil embedded in polymer or no-polymeric bodies to enhance absorption to the skin).

[0070] Powder- The term powder as used herein refers to a composition of dry (or dried) solids composed of fine particles (i.e. powder particles), that may flow freely when shaken or tilted. A powder may have a certain moisture content and still, objectively, be considered a powder. In particular, the term powder as used herein refers to a BC powder as disclosed herein. Powders may be prepared from suspensions as described herein, by methods known to the skilled person, such as drying, for example spray drying or oven drying.

[0071] Powder particle size - The term powder particle size as used herein refers to the average powder particle size of a powder. The average powder particle size refers in particular to the average circular diameter of the BC powder particles and may be determined using any method known in the art, such as by determining the circular equivalent diameter using a particle characterization tool, such as a Malvern Morphology G3 microscope. Commonly, the average powder particle size is determined based on the powder particle volume distribution or on the powder particle number distribution. The (average) powder particle size based on the number or volume distribution may for example be determined using a particle characterization tool, such as a Malvern Morphology G3 microscope.

[0072] Redisperse or redispersion or resuspension - The terms redisperse or redispersion or resuspension as used herein refer to the process of redispersing powder particles in a suspension or a colloidal system. Various methods may be employed for redispersion, depending on the nature of the particles and the medium. Common redispersion methods include, but are not limited to, mechanical agitation, ultrasound, and high or low shear homogenization / mixing. If a powder is easy to redisperse, redispersion may be for example be carried using low- or zero shear homogenization / mixing. Preferably, powder particles of the easy-to-redisperse powder are evenly distributed throughout the liquid, such as the solution, composition or suspension, after redispersion. Such an easily redispersed powder or powder suitable for redispersion, is also herein referred to as a re-dispersible powder. A powder suitable for redispersion may, upon redispersion, for example have the same or similar technological properties and performance as a corresponding never-dried suspension, for example in terms of viscosity and / or stability. A powder suitable for redispersion does preferably not form agglomerates or settle upon redispersion. On the other hand, a powder unsuitable for redispersion may agglomerate or settle when the powder particles are redispersed. Redispersibility is the ability of a powder to redisperse.

[0073] Acetan - A water-soluble polysaccharide, comprising a main chain composed of beta- 1 ,4-linked D-glucose residues to which a charged pentasaccharide side chain is bound for every second glucose unit. Acetan typically contains the monosaccharides glucose (Glc), mannose (Man), rhamnose (Rha), and glucuronic acid (GlcA) as determined by ion chromatography. Glucose and mannose are present in all acetan polysaccharides, and the other monosaccharides differ among species and strains. Additional monosaccharides that may be present in the side chains of acetan are galactose (Gal), xylose (Xyl), arabinose (Ara), and uronic acids. Acetan is produced and secreted by various bacterial species, mainly by bacterial species of the genera Komagataeibacter and Acetobacter. The structure of acetan resembles that of xanthan gum but with a pentasaccharide instead of trisaccharide side group as determined by methylation analysis, NMR spectroscopy, and mass spectrometry. Moreover, xanthan gum only contains glucose (Glc), mannose (Man), and glucuronic acid (GlcA). From a functional perspective, acetan contain a sparse number of charged groups compared to xanthan gum potentially making it more stable in presence of various salts and ionic compounds (i.e. does not precipitate and remains water soluble). Acetan is also produced from bacteria which belong to GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) in contrast to xanthan gum which is produced by a phytopathogen Xanthomonas campestris. For acetan, the repeat unit is acetylated at two sites, one of them being at the 06 of the innermost mannosyl residue. Acetan is water-soluble. Acetan or acetan-like polysaccharides can be produced and secreted by various species of Acetobacter, Gluconobacter, Komagataeibacter and Kozakia. The monosaccharide composition of the pentasaccharide side chain may vary among both species and strains. Acetan or acetan-like polysaccharides is herein referred to collectively as acetan. The presence of acetan may be determined by methods known in the art, for instance capillary ion chromatography, gas-liquid chromatography, gas chromatography with mass spectrometry (GC-MS), NMR spectroscopy, or high-pressure ion chromatography (HPIC), for example as described in Example 17 herein.

[0074] Bacterial cellulose suspension

[0075] The present invention relates to processed bacterial cellulose (BC) suspensions, and in particular to stable BC suspensions. The present inventors have found that the harsh treatment to which BC has traditionally been submitted to in order to remove impurities also resulted in removal of acetan. However, the present inventors have surprisingly found that retaining acetan in the BC actually imparts the BC with desirable properties, such as increased stability, increased stabilising properties and increased redispersibility, all of which result in many advantages for use in e.g. personal care products.

[0076] The present invention provides a processed bacterial cellulose (BC) suspension, having a ratio of acetan and BC (acetan:BC ratio) of at least 0.1 :1 and: a. of at least 0.2:1, such as of at least 0.3:1 , such as of at least 0.4:1 , such as of at least 0.5:1 , such as of at least 0.8:1, such as of at least 1 :1 , such as of at least 1.1:1, such as of at least 1.2:1, such as of at least 1.5:1 , such as of at least 1.6:1 , such as of at least 1.7:1 , such as of at least 2:1, such as of at least 2.1 :1, such as of at least 2.2:1, such as of at least 2.5:1, such as of at least 2.7:1 , such as of at least 2.8:1 , such as of at least 2.9:1, such as of at least 3:1 , such as of at least 3.5:1, such as of at least 4:1 , such as of at least 4.5:1, such as of at least 4.6:1, such as of at least 4.7:1, such as of at least 5:1 , such as of at least 5.5:1 , such as of at least 6:1 , such as of at least 6.5:1, such as of at least 7:1, such as of at least 7.5:1 , such as of at least 8:1 , such as of at least 8.5:1 , such as of at least 9:1, such as of at least 9.5:1 , such as of at least 10:1, or more; and / or b. of at the most 10: 1 , such as of at the most 9.5: 1 , such as of at the most 9: 1 , such as of at the most 8.5:1 , such as of at the most 8: 1 , such as of at the most 7.5: 1 , such as of at the most 7:1 , such as of at the most 6.5:1 , such as of at the most 6:1 , such as of at the most 5.5:1 , such as of at the most 5: 1 , such as of at the most 4.7:1, such as of at the most 4.6:1 , such as of at the most 4.5:1, such as of at the most 4:1 , such as of at the most 3.5:1, such as of at the most 3:1 , such as of at the most 2.9:1 , such as of at the most 2.8:1 , such as of at 2.7:1, such as of at the most 2.5:1, such as of at the most 2.2:1 , such as of at the most 2.1:1 , such as of at the most 2:1, such as of at the most 1.7:1, such as of at the most 1.6:1 , such as of at the most 1.5:1, such as of at the most 1.2:1 , such as of at the most 1.1:1, such as of at the most 1 :1 , such as of at the most 0.8:1 , such as of at the most 0.5:1, such as of at the most 0.4:1 , such as of at the most 0.3: 1 , such as of at the most 0.2: 1 , such as of at the most 0.1 :1, or less; and / or c. between 0.1 :1 and 10:1, such as between 0.5:1 and 7.5:1, such as between 1 : 1 and 5: 1 , such as between 1 : 1 and 4.6:1, such as between 1.1:1 and 4: 1 , such as between 2:1 and 3:1, such as between 2.1 :1 and 2.8:1.

[0077] The present invention provides a method of producing a processed BC suspension comprising acetan, said method comprising the steps of: a. incubating a cellulose-producing bacteria in a culture medium, wherein the cellulose-producing bacteria produces BC comprising acetan, thereby obtaining a fermentation broth comprising BC; b. processing said fermentation broth comprising BC to obtain a processed fermentation broth comprising a processed BC suspension; and c. recovering said processed BC suspension comprising acetan from said processed fermentation broth; thereby obtaining said processed BC suspension comprising acetan, wherein said processed BC suspension is as described herein, further wherein the ratio of acetan and BC (acetan:BC ratio) in said processed BC suspension comprising acetan is as defined herein.

[0078] The inventors have discovered that such BC suspension possesses several superior properties related to stability. In other words, the BC suspension presented herein is particularly stable.

[0079] In some embodiments, the processed BC suspension comprises between 0.02% and 3% (w / w) BC solids, wherein said suspension: a. comprises BC fiber clusters having a size between 50 nm and 3000 pm, such as between 50 nm and 2500 pm; b. has a viscosity between 0.5 and 5000 mPa-s at a shear stress of 100 / s at 25°C, and / or a viscosity of between 5 and 250 000 mPa s, such as between 1000 and 200 000, such as between 2000 and 150 000, such as between 3000 and 100 000, such as between 5000 and 60 000 mPa s, at a shear stress of 1 / s at 25°C; and c. has a water holding capacity of at least 80 g water / g BC.

[0080] The processed BC suspension, preferably the stable BC suspension, presented herein for example: is smooth; does not clump; does not flocculate; and / or does not exhibit water-cellulose separation.

[0081] In one embodiment, the processed BC suspension does not clump, does not flocculate and / or does no exhibit water-cellulose separation after at least 3 months of storage, such as after at least 4 months of storage, such as after at least 6 months of storage, such as wherein said suspension does not exhibit water-cellulose separation after at least 1 year of storage.

[0082] Flocculation, clumping, and coagulation are related terms that describe processes involving the aggregation of particles in a liquid, such BC fibers in a BC suspension. Flocculation refers to the process in which small particles in a liquid come together to form larger aggregates called flocs or floccules. These flocs are larger and more easily settleable than individual particles.

[0083] Clumping is the gathering together of particles, molecules, or substances into clusters or groups. Clumping can occur due to various forces, such as attractive forces between particles or external influences like temperature changes or chemical reactions. Coagulation is a specific type of flocculation that involves the formation of larger, insoluble particles from smaller suspended particles in a liquid. Coagulation may occur as a result of a chemical reaction. In general, flocculation, clumping and coagulation all result in water-cellulose separation.

[0084] Whether or not a BC suspension is stable and does not flocculate, clump, coagulate and / or does not exhibit water-cellulose separation can be tested using methods well known in the art.

[0085] Whether or not a BC suspension clumps may for example be tested by applying rotation motion through a rheometer for a few minutes at a shear rate of 100 / s. If the BC suspension does not clump, no clumps or aggregates should be visible by the eye after said test. Whether or not a BC suspension clumps may alternatively be tested more qualitatively, by rolling a suitable amount of BC suspension between the fingers. If the BC suspension does not clump, the cellulose should form a small ball and no clumps should be sensed or seen when performing said roll.

[0086] Similarly, whether or not a BC suspension exhibits water cellulose separation may for example be tested by applying rotation motion through a rheometer at a shear rate of 100 / s. If the BC suspension does not exhibit water cellulose separation, the water and the cellulose should not form separate phases after said test, i.e. no separate phases should be visible by the eye after said test. Alternatively, whether or not a BC suspension exhibits water cellulose separation may for example be tested by storing the BC suspension for a specific amount of time, such as for example for at least one weeks, such as at least two weeks, such as at least four weeks, such as at least one month, such as at least two months, such as at least four months, such as at least six months, such as at least one year. The BC suspension may for example be stored in a refrigerator at 4°C. If the BC suspension does not exhibit water cellulose separation, the water and the cellulose should not form separate phases after said test, i.e. no separate phases should be visible by the eye after said test.

[0087] Whether or not a BC suspension coagulates or flocculates may for example be tested by applying rotation motion through a rheometer for a few minutes at a shear rate of 100 / s. If the BC suspension does not coagulate or flocculate, no coagulates or flocculates should be visible by the eye after said test. Whether or not a BC suspension coagulates or flocculates may alternatively be tested more qualitatively, by rolling a suitable amount of BC suspension between the fingers. If the BC suspension does not coagulate or flocculate, the cellulose should form a small ball and no coagulates or flocculates should be sensed or seen when performing said roll.

[0088] Hence, whether or not a BC suspension is stable may for example be tested by any of the above-mentioned tests of clumping, water-cellulose separation and flocculation. In other words, if the BC suspension does not clump, does not flocculate and / or does not exhibit water-cellulose separation, said BC suspension may be considered stable.

[0089] Due to its stability and the above-mentioned properties, the BC suspension disclosed herein further has high particle-suspending properties. In other words, the processed BC suspension is capable of suspending particles in a stable manner, i.e. so that the particles do not settle and / or precipitate after a certain amount of time.

[0090] In one embodiment, the processed BC suspension, when adjusted to a concentration of 0.05% BC solids or less, exhibits no precipitation of particles after at least 24 h, such as at least 48 h, such as at least 72 h, such as at least 96 h, such as at least one week, such as at least one month, such as at least one year.

[0091] In one embodiment, the processed BC suspension is capable of stabilizing particles in a composition, such as a composition comprising or consisting of water, such as an aqueous compositions, when said suspension has a BC solid content of at least 0.04% (w / w), such as at least 0.06% (w / w), such as at least 0.08%, such as at least 0.1% (w / w), such as at least 0.5% (w / w), such as at least 1% (w / w).

[0092] In one embodiment, said particles have a size of between 0.1 mm and 5 mm in diameter, such as between 0.25 mm and 0.65 m, such as between 1 mm and 2 mm, such as between 1 mm and 1.5 mm, such as between 0.25 mm and 2 mm, such as between 0.1 mm and 4 mm, such as between 0.1 mm and 3 mm. The particles may be selected from the group consisting of charcoal particles; jojoba beads; apricot kernel particles; inorganic minerals such as kaolin, colorant particles, TiO2, ZnO2, gelatine beads; oil droplets, oil suspensions and oil emulsions, which optionally comprise an active ingredient such as a vitamin, preferably vitamin A or vitamin E, or retinol, or wherein the active ingredient is not soluble in water but is suspendable in oil. In one embodiment, said particles have a size of no more than 5 mm, such as no more than 4 mm, such as no more than 3 mm, such as no more than 2 mm, such as no more than 1 mm, such as no more than 0.5 mm, such as no more than 0.1 mm, such as no more than 500 pm, such as no more than 100 pm, such as no more than 10 pm, such as no more than 1 pm. The particles may be selected from the group consisting of charcoal particles; jojoba beads; apricot kernel particles; inorganic minerals such as kaolin, colorant particles, TiO2, ZnO2, gelatine beads; oil droplets, oil suspensions and oil emulsions, which optionally comprise an active ingredient such as a vitamin, preferably vitamin A or vitamin E, or retinol, or wherein the active ingredient is not soluble in water but is suspendable in oil. For instance, the particles are microbeads; pearlescents; decorative beads; fragrance beads; gelatine beads; jojoba beads; polyethylene beads; charcoal particles; apricot kernel particles; colorant particles or pigments, such as titanium dioxide or iron oxides; air bubbles; insoluble enzymes; aggregated proteins; encapsulated actives, such as moisturizers or exfoliating agents, such as alpha-hydroxy acids, crystalline cellulose, lactose, magnesium stearate and glycolic acid, or such as crushed walnut shells or sugar; inorganic minerals; kaolin; zeolites; TiO2; ZnO2; vitamins, such as vitamin A or vitamin E; oil droplets; nanoparticles, such as drug delivery nanoparticles; emulsifying agent particles such as lecithin particles or wax particles; sunscreen active particles, such as zinc oxide or titanium dioxide particles; oil suspensions; and oil emulsions, and may comprise an active ingredient such as a vitamin, e.g. vitamin A or vitamin E; retinol or an active ingredient which is not soluble in water but is suspendable in water or oil.

[0093] In some embodiments, said particles are selected from the group consisting of charcoal particles; jojoba beads; apricot kernel particles; inorganic minerals such as kaolin, colorant particles, TiO2, ZnO2, gelatine beads; oil droplets, oil suspensions and oil emulsions, which optionally comprise an active ingredient such as a vitamin, preferably vitamin A or vitamin E, or retinol, or wherein the active ingredient is not soluble in water but is suspendable in oil.

[0094] Whether or not a BC suspension is capable of suspending particles in a stable manner can be tested by suspending particles in the BC suspension, and storing the BC suspension with particles for a certain amount of time. If the particles are still suspended, and have not .e.g. sedimented and / or precipitated, said BC suspension is capable of stably suspending particles. Yet another advantage of the BC suspension disclosed herein is that is remains stable in high temperatures; at low and high pH; in the presence of oil; in the presence of salt; in the presence of surfactant; and / or in the presence of ethanol.

[0095] Hence, in one embodiment, the processed BC suspension disclosed herein is stable: a. at a pH between 2 and 13, such as in a composition with a pH of between 2 and 13; b. in the presence of oil, such as in a composition comprising BC suspension and oil, optionally in a composition comprising BC suspension and between 5 and 35% (w / w) oil, such as between 10 and 20% (w / w) oil, optionally wherein the oil is a polar or non-polar oil selected from the group consisting of paraffin and jojoba oil; c. in the presence of salt, such as in a composition comprising BC suspension and salt, optionally in a composition comprising BC suspension and between 5 and 25% (w / w) salt, such as between 5 and 15% (w / w) salt, optionally wherein the salt is a sodium salt or a calcium salt, preferably selected from the group consisting of sodium chloride, sodium citrate, sodium dihydrogen phosphate and sodium dihydrogen phosphate; d. in the presence of surfactant, such as in a composition comprising BC suspension and surfactant, optionally in a composition comprising BC suspension and between 5 and 25% (w / w) surfactant, such as between 5 and 15% (w / w) surfactant, optionally wherein the surfactant is a cationic, anionic or zwitter-ionic surfactant, such as selected from the group consisting of cocoamidpropyl betaine (CAPB), sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), sodium laureth sulfate (SLS), lauryl glucoside and surfactants comprising quaternary ammonium cation (QLIAT); and / or e. in the presence of ethanol, such as in a composition comprising BC suspension and ethanol, optionally in a composition comprising BC suspension and between 5 and 70% (v / v) ethanol, such as between 20 and 60% (w / w) ethanol.

[0096] Whether or not a BC suspension is stable in the above-mentioned conditions (i.e. a.-e.) can for example be tested using methods known in the art, for example using the methods described herein above in the section “Bacterial cellulose suspension”. In other words, if a BC suspension is stable in the above-mentioned conditions, it does not coagulate, flocculate and / or exhibit water-cellulose phase separation in said conditions.

[0097] Whether or not a BC suspension is stable in the above-mentioned conditions may also be tested by checking whether or not the viscosity of the BC suspension is maintained in the above-mentioned conditions, as compared to a BC suspension with the same properties but which has not been exposed to said above-mentioned conditions. If the viscosity is maintained, such as for example if at least 50%, such as at least 60%, such as at least 70%, such as at least 80, such as at least 90%, such as 100% of the viscosity is maintained, the BC suspension may be considered stable. Viscosity can be measured using methods well known in the art, such as for example the methods described in Examples 1 and 2.

[0098] In one embodiment: a. the viscosity of the BC suspension is maintained, such as wherein at least 60%, such as at least 75% of the viscosity is maintained; b. there is no coagulation of the BC suspension; c. there is no flocculation of the BC suspension; d. there is no clumping of the BC suspension; and / or e. there is no water-cellulose phase separation BC suspension; i. at a pH between 2 and 13, such as in a composition with a pH of between 2 and 13; ii. in the presence of oil, such as in a composition comprising BC suspension and oil, optionally in a composition comprising BC suspension and between 5 and 35% (w / w) oil, such as between 10 and 20% (w / w) oil, optionally wherein the oil is a polar or non-polar oil selected from the group consisting of paraffin and jojoba oil; iii. in the presence of salt, such as in a composition comprising BC suspension and salt, optionally in a composition comprising BC suspension and between 5 and 25% (w / w) salt, such as between 5 and 15% (w / w) salt, optionally wherein the salt is a sodium salt or a calcium salt, preferably selected from the group consisting of sodium chloride, sodium citrate, sodium dihydrogen phosphate and sodium dihydrogen phosphate; iv. in the presence of surfactant, such as in a composition comprising BC suspension and surfactant, optionally in a composition comprising BC suspension and between 5 and 25% (w / w) surfactant, such as between 5 and 15% (w / w) surfactant, optionally wherein the surfactant is a cationic, anionic or zwitter-ionic surfactant, such as selected from the group consisting of cocoamidpropyl betaine (CAPB), sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) , sodium laureth sulfate (SLS), lauryl glucoside and surfactants comprising quaternary ammonium cation (QLIAT); and / or v. in the presence of ethanol, such as in a composition comprising BC suspension and ethanol, optionally in a composition comprising BC suspension and between 5 and 70% (v / v) ethanol, such as between 20 and 60% (w / w) ethanol.

[0099] Yet another advantage with the BC suspension disclosed herein is that it is stable and possesses the above-mentioned properties in the absence of additional ingredients and / or chemical modifications with certain compounds that are commonly used to stabilize BC suspensions.

[0100] Hence, in one embodiment, the processed BC suspension does not comprise any additional ingredient and / or is not chemically modified, i.e. with an additional compound. In one embodiment, the additional ingredient is a polymeric thickener. In one embodiment, said polymeric thickener is a natural polymer, such as for example carboxymethyl cellulose and / or natural gums, such as xanthan, locus or diutan gums. In one embodiment, the suspension is not chemically modified by oxidation, such as oxidation to COOH, or grafting to a functional group comprising sulphur. In one embodiment, the suspension does not comprise and / or is not chemically modified by any stabilising agent, such as for example a polyol. In some embodiments, the processed BC suspension does not comprise any additional synthetic and / or anionic polymer such as pectin, carboxymethyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose, xanthan gum, alginates, gellan gum, diutan gum, welan gum, rhamsan gum, carrageenan, guar gum, agar, gum arabic, gum ghatti, karaya gum, gum tragacanth, tamarind gum, or locust bean gum.

[0101] In one embodiment, the processed BC suspension does not comprise any additional polymers. Acetan content of the processed BC suspension

[0102] Acetan is often present in raw BC produced e.g. by fermentation of BC-producing bacteria. It has been common in the art to subject the BC to a harsh treatment, for example with a strong alkali at high concentrations or to repeated treatments with an alkali at middle or low concentration, in order to remove impurities, including acetan - which itself was considered an impurity. Such treatments result in processed BC which either do not comprise acetan, or which comprise acetan:BC at a ratio lower than 0.1:1.

[0103] The present processed BC suspensions and BC powders are obtained by cellulose- producing bacteria, where the cellulose comprises acetan. The BC may be subjected to a mild treatment such that at least a portion of the acetan will be retained in the BC.

[0104] The acetan content of a BC suspension or a BC powder may be provided in relative terms, i.e. relative to the BC content, such as a ratio between BC and acetan (BC:acetan) or a ratio between acetan and BC (acetan: BC). The skilled person knows, that a BC:acetan ratio of x:y, where x and y are numbers, is the same as an acetan:BC ratio of y:x. The ratios of acetan and BC described herein are on a %wt. / %wt. basis if nothing else has been described. An acetan:BC ratio of y:x means that for x g of BC, the suspension or powder comprises y g of acetan.

[0105] In the present section, the characteristics of the present processed BC suspensions comprising acetan are described in relation to their acetan content. However, it shall be clear that the same characteristics apply to a BC powder comprising acetan, and obtained as described herein below.

[0106] Without being bound by theory, another advantage of acetan over other natural polymers, such as xanthan, and in particular anionic polymers, is that it contains a lower number of charged groups, which may contribute to its stability, including the properties that it does not precipitate and remains water-soluble in presence of various salts and ionic compounds.

[0107] The present processed BC suspensions have a ratio of acetan to BC (acetan :BC ratio) of at least 0.1 :1 and: a. of at least 0.2: 1 , such as of at least 0.3:1, such as of at least 0.4: 1 , such as of at least 0.5:1 , such as of at least 0.8:1 , such as of at least 1:1 , such as of at least 1.1:1, such as of at least 1.2:1, such as of at least 1.5:1, such as of at least 1.6:1, such as of at least 1.7:1 , such as of at least 2:1, such as of at least 2.1 :1, such as of at least 2.2:1 , such as of at least 2.5:1 , such as of at least 2.7:1 , such as of at least 2.8:1 , such as of at least 2.9:1 , such as of at least 3:1, such as of at least 3.5:1 , such as of at least 4:1, such as of at least 4.5:1 , such as of at least 4.6:1, such as of at least 4.7:1 , such as of at least 5: 1 , such as of at least 5.5:1, such as of at least 6:1 , such as of at least 6.5:1 , such as of at least 7:1, such as of at least 7.5:1, such as of at least 8:1 , such as of at least 8.5:1 , such as of at least 9:1, such as of at least 9.5:1 , such as of at least 10: 1 , or more; and / or b. of at the most 10: 1 , such as of at the most 9.5: 1 , such as of at the most 9:1 , such as of at the most 8.5:1 , such as of at the most 8:1 , such as of at the most 7.5:1 , such as of at the most 7:1, such as of at the most 6.5: 1 , such as of at the most 6: 1 , such as of at the most 5.5:1 , such as of at the most 5:1, such as of at the most 4.7:1, such as of at the most 4.6: 1 , such as of at the most 4.5: 1 , such as of at the most 4: 1 , such as of at the most 3.5:1 , such as of at the most 3: 1 , such as of at the most 2.9:1, such as of at the most 2.8:1 , such as of at 2.7:1, such as of at the most 2.5:1, such as of at the most 2.2:1, such as of at the most 2.1:1, such as of at the most 2:1 , such as of at the most 1.7:1 , such as of at the most 1.6:1 , such as of at the most 1.5:1 , such as of at the most 1.2:1, such as of at the most 1.1 :1 , such as of at the most 1:1 , such as of at the most 0.8:1, such as of at the most 0.5: 1 , such as of at the most 0.4:1 , such as of at the most 0.3:1 , such as of at the most 0.2:1 ; and / or c. between 0.1 :1 and 10:1, such as between 0.5:1 and 7.5:1, such as between 1 :1 and 5:1, such as between 1:1 and 4.6:1, such as between 1.1 :1 and 4: 1 , such as between 2: 1 and 3: 1 , such as between 2.1:1 and 2.8:1.

[0108] In some embodiments, the processed BC suspension has a ratio of acetan to BC (acetan: BC ratio) of at least 0.1:1, such as of at least 0.2:1 , such as of at least 0.3:1, such as of at least 0.4:1, such as of at least 0.5:1, such as of at least 0.8:1 , such as of at least 1:1, such as of at least 1.1 :1, such as of at least 1.2:1 , such as of at least 1.5:1 , such as of at least 1.6:1, such as of at least 1.7:1, such as of at least 2:1 , such as of at least 2.1:1 , such as of at least 2.2: 1 , such as of at least 2.5:1 , such as of at least 2.7:1, such as of at least 2.8:1, such as of at least 2.9:1, such as of at least 3:1 , such as of at least 3.5:1 , such as of at least 4:1, such as of at least 4.5:1 , such as of at least 4.6:1 , such as of at least 4.7:1, such as of at least 5:1, such as of at least 5.5:1 , such as of at least 6:1, such as of at least 6.5:1, such as of at least 7:1 , such as of at least 7.5:1 , such as of at least 8:1, such as of at least 8.5:1, such as of at least 9:1, such as of at least 9.5:1 , such as of at least 10:1 , or more. Preferably, the acetan: BC ratio is at least 0.2:1 , such as at least 0.23:1, 0.8:1 , 1 :1 , 1 :1.5, 1:1.6, 1 :2, 1:2.1 , 1 :2.8, 1 :3, 1:4, 1:4.5 or 1 :4.6.

[0109] In some embodiments, the processed BC suspension has a ratio of acetan to BC (acetan: BC ratio) of at least 0.1 :1 and at the most 10:1 , such as of at the most 9.5:1, such as of at the most 9:1, such as of at the most 8.5:1 , such as of at the most 8: 1 , such as of at the most 7.5: 1 , such as of at the most 7:1 , such as of at the most 6.5: 1 , such as of at the most 6:1, such as of at the most 5.5:1 , such as of at the most 5: 1 , such as of at the most 4.7:1, such as of at the most 4.6:1 , such as of at the most 4.5:1, such as of at the most 4:1, such as of at the most 3.5:1 , such as of at the most 3: 1 , such as of at the most 2.9:1, such as of at the most 2.8:1 , such as of at 2.7: 1 , such as of at the most 2.5:1, such as of at the most 2.2:1, such as of at the most 2.1:1 , such as of at the most 2:1, such as of at the most 1.7:1, such as of at the most 1.6:1, such as of at the most 1.5:1, such as of at the most 1.2:1, such as of at the most 1.1 :1, such as of at the most 1:1, such as of at the most 0.8: 1 , such as of at the most 0.5: 1 , such as of at the most 0.4:1, such as of at the most 0.3:1 , such as of at the most 0.2: 1.

[0110] In some embodiments, the processed BC suspension has a ratio of acetan to BC (acetan: BC ratio) of at least 0.1 :1 and between 0.1 :1 and 10:1 , such as between 0.2:1 and 10:1, such as between 0.3:1 and 10:1 , such as between 0.4:1 and 10:1, such as between 0.5:1 and 7.5:1 , such as between 1 :1 and 5:1 , such as between 1:1 and 4.6:1, such as between 1.1:1 and 4:1, such as between 2:1 and 3:1 , such as between 2.1 :1 and 2.8:1. Preferably, the actan:BC ratio is between 0.2:1 and 1:5, such as between 0.23:1 and 1 :4.6, such as between 1 :1 and 1 :4.5, such as between 1 :1.1 and 1 :4.6. In some embodiments, the acetan:BC ratio is of at least 0.2:1 , such as 0.23:1. In some embodiments, the acetan:BC ratio is of 0.5:1 , 0.7:1, 0.9:1, 1:1 , 1.1 :1, 1.2:1, 1.3:1 , 1.4:1, 1.5:1 or 2:1. In some embodiments, the acetan:BC ratio is of 2.1:1 , 2.2:1 , 2.3:1 , 2.4:1, 2.5:1 , 2.6:1, 2.7:1 , 2.8:1, 2.9:1 or 3:1. In some embodiments, the acetan:BC ratio is of 4:1 , 4.1:1, 4.2:1 , 4.3:1, 4.4:1 , 4.5:1, 4.6:1 , 4.7:1, 4.8:1 , 4.9:1 or 5:1.

[0111] The acetan comprised in the BC suspension or powder disclosed herein comprises at least the monosaccharides glucose (Glc) and mannose (Man), and optionally rhamnose (Rha), arabinose (Ara), xylose (Xyl), galactose (Gal), uronic acid (UrA), and / or glucuronic acid (GlcA). Depending on the bacterial strain used, the BC suspension may also further comprise fructan and / or levan. In some embodiments, the acetan comprises at least three different monosaccharides, including glucose and mannose, for example glucose, mannose and rhamnose; or glucose, mannose and arabinose; or glucose, mannose and xylose; or glucose, mannose and galactose; or glucose, mannose and uronic acid; or glucose, mannose and glucuronic acid. In some embodiments, the acetan comprises at least four different monosaccharides, including glucose and mannose, for example glucose, mannose, rhamnose and arabinose; or glucose, mannose, rhamnose and xylose; or glucose, mannose, rhamnose and galactose; or glucose, mannose, rhamnose and uronic acid; or glucose, mannose, rhamnose and glucuronic acid; or glucose, mannose, arabinose and one of xylose, galactose, uronic acid or glucuronic acid; or glucose, mannose, xylose and one of galactose, uronic acid or glucuronic acid; or glucose, mannose, galactose and one of uronic acid or glucuronic acid; or glucose, mannose, galactose, uronic acid and glucuronic acid; or glucose, mannose, xylose and one of galactose, uronic acid or glucuronic acid; or glucose, mannose, galactose and one of uronic acid or glucuronic acid; or glucose, mannose, uronic acid and glucuronic acid. In some embodiments, the acetan comprises at least five different monosaccharides, including glucose and mannose, for example glucose, mannose, and three of rhamnose, arabinose, xylose, galactose, uronic acid or glucuronic acid. The BC suspensions may further comprise fructan and / or levan.

[0112] Certain characteristics of the BC suspension

[0113] The characteristics described herein apply to processed BC suspensions obtained from fermentation, e.g. as described in “Methods for producing the bacterial cellulose suspension”, but also apply to BC suspensions obtained after redispersing a BC powder as described herein, in particular the BC suspensions described in the section “BC suspensions comprising a redispersed BC powder comprising acetan”.

[0114] The inventors have observed that removal of smaller fiber clusters, such as fiber clusters with a size of between approximately 50 nm and 3000 pm, such as between 50 nm and 2500 pm, such as between 50 nm and 1700 pm, such as between 50 nm and 1500 pm, such as between 50 nm and 1000 pm, such as between 50 nm and 500 pm, such as between 50 nm and 100 pm, such as between 50 nm and 50 pm, such as between 50 nm and 25 pm, such as between 50 nm and 10 pm, such as between 50 nm and 5 pm, such as between 50 nm and 2.5 pm, such as between 50 nm and 1.5 pm, such as between 70 nm and 1.1 pm, such as between 70 nm and 500 nm, may result in the BC suspension losing its stability, causing it to clump due to cellulose- water separation.

[0115] Hence, in one embodiment, the processed BC suspension or the BC suspension comprises BC fiber clusters having a size between 50 nm and 3000 pm, such as between 50 nm and 2500 pm, such as between 50 nm and 1700 pm, such as between 50 nm and 1500 pm, such as between 50 nm and 1000 pm, such as between 50 nm and 500 pm, such as between 50 nm and 100 pm, such as between 50 nm and 50 pm, such as between 50 nm and 25 pm, such as between 50 nm and 10 pm, such as between 50 nm and 5 pm, such as between 50 nm and 2.5 pm, such as between 50 nm and 1400 pm, such as between 70 nm and 1400 pm such as between 60 nm and 1300 pm, such as between 65 nm and 1200 pm, such as between 65 nm and 1100 pm, such as between 70 nm and 1000 pm, such as between 50 nm and 500 pm, such as between 50 nm and 300 pm, such as between 50 nm and 200 pm, such as between 65 nm and 200 pm, such as between 70 nm and 500 pm, such as between 70 nm and 300 pm, such as between 70 nm and 200 pm, such as between 70 nm and 200 pm, such as between 70 nm and 150 pm.

[0116] In one embodiment, the BC fiber clusters have a size of at least 50 nm, such as at least 55 nm, such as at least 60 nm, such as at least 65 nm, such as at least 70 nm, such as at least 75 nm, such as at least 80 nm, such as at least 100 nm, such as at least 200 nm, such as at least 500 nm, such as at least 1 pm, such at least 50 pm, such as at least 100 pm, such as at least 150 pm. In one embodiment, the BC fiber clusters have a size of no more than 3000 pm, such as between no more than 2500 pm, such as no more than 1700 pm, such as no more than 1500 pm, such as no more than 1000 pm, such as no more than 500 pm, such as no more than 200 pm, such as no more than 150 pm, such as no more than 100 pm, such as no more than 50 pm, such as no more than 1 pm, such as no more than 500 nm.

[0117] In one embodiment, the BC suspension comprises BC fiber clusters with a size of between 50 nm and 1.5 pm, such as between 70 nm and 1.1 pm, such as between 70 nm and 1 pM, such as between 70 nm and 500 nm.

[0118] The BC suspension disclosed herein may comprise any suitable amount of BC solids. In one embodiment, the BC suspension comprises between 0.02% and 10% (w / w) BC solids, such as between 0.02% and 3% (w / w) BC solids, such as between 0.02% and 2.8% (w / w) BC solids, such as between 0.04% and 2.6% (w / w) BC solids, such as between 0.02% and 2.4% (w / w) BC solids, such as between 0.02% and 2.2% (w / w) BC solids, such as between 0.02% and 2% (w / w) BC solids, such as between 0.03% and 2% (w / w) BC solids, such as between 0.04% and 2% (w / w) BC solids, such as between 0.1 % and 2.8% (w / w) BC solids, such as between 0.5 and 2.6% (w / w) BC solids, such as between 0.2% and 1.8% (w / w) BC solids, such as between 0.4% and 1 .6% (w / w) BC solids, such as between 0.6% and 1 .4% (w / w) BC solids, such as between 0.8% and 1.2% (w / w) BC solids, such as between 0.9% and 1.1 % (w / w) BC solids, such as between 0.5% and 1.5% (w / w) BC solids, such as between 0.75% and 1 .25% (w / w) BC solids, such as between 2% and 3% (w / w) BC solids, such as between 2.4% and 2.8% (w / w) BC solids.

[0119] In one embodiment, the BC suspension comprises at least 0.02% (w / w) BC solids, such as at least 0.03%, such as at least 0.04%, such as at least 0.05%, such as at least 0.1%, such as at least 0.2%, such as at least 0.3%, such as at least 0.4%, such as at least 0.5%, such as at least 0.6%, such as at least 0.7%, such as at least 0.8%, such as at least 0.9%, such as at least 1 %, such as at least 1.2%, such as at least 1 .4%, such as at least 1 .6%, such as at least 1.8%, such as at least 2%, such as at least 2.2%, such as at least 2.4%, such as at least 2.6%, such as at least 2.8% (w / w) BC solids. In one embodiment, the BC suspension comprises no more than 3.0% (w / w) BC solids, such as no more than 2.8% (w / w) BC solids, such as no more than 2.6%, such as no more than 2.4%, such as no more than 2.2%, such as no more than 2%, such as no more than 1.8%, such as no more than 1.6%, such as no more than 1.4%, such as no more than 1.2%, such as no more than 1%, such as no more than 0.9%, such as no more than 0.8%, such as no more than 0.7%, such as no more than 0.6%, such as no more than 0.5% such as no more than 0.4%, such as no more than 0.3%, such as no more than 0.2% (w / w) BC solids.

[0120] The terms “% (w / w)”, “wt%” and “wt.%” are used interchangeably herein.

[0121] The BC fiber suspension may have a viscosity suitable for a stable BC suspension. In one embodiment, the viscosity of the BC suspension depends on the amount (% w / w) of BC solids that are in the BC suspension.

[0122] In one embodiment, the BC suspension has a viscosity between 0.5 and 2000 mPa-s at a shear stress of 100 / s at 25°C, such as between 0.5 and 1 mPa s, such as between 20 and 100 mPa s, such as between 300 and 1000 mPa s, such as 1500 mPa s, such as between 10 and 1000 mPa s, such as between 5 and 1000 mPa s at a shear stress of 100 / s at 25°C, preferably wherein the suspension comprises 1% (w / w) of BC solids.

[0123] In one embodiment, the BC suspension has a viscosity between 5 and 250 000 mPa s, such as between 1000 and 200 000, such as between 2000 and 150 000, such as between 3000 and 100 000, such as between 5000 and 60 000 mPa s , such as between 10 000 and 40 000 mPa s at a shear stress of 1 / s at 25°C, such as between 12 000 and 35 000 mPa s, such as between 15 000 and 35 000 mPa s, such as between 16 000 and 30 000 mPa s at a shear stress of 1 / s at 25°C.

[0124] In one embodiment, the BC suspension comprises between 0.8 and 1.2 % (w / w) BC solids, such as between 0.9 and 1.1%, such as 1% BC solids, and has a viscosity of 75 to 150 mPa s, such as between 80 and 125 mPa s, such as between 90 and 110 mPa s, such as 100 mPa s, at a shear stress of 100 / s at 25°C, preferably the suspension comprises 1% BC solids and has a viscosity of 100 mPa s at a shear stress of 100 / s at 25°C. In one embodiment, the BC suspension comprises between 0.8 and 1.2 % (w / w) BC solids, such as between 0.9 and 1.1%, such as 1% BC solids, and has a viscosity of 5000 to 50 000 mPa s, such as between 10 000 and 40 000 mPa s, such as between 14 000 and 36 000 mPa s at a shear stress of 1 / s at 25°C, preferably the suspension comprises 1% BC solids and has a viscosity of 25 000 mPa s at a shear stress of 1 / s at 25°C.

[0125] In one embodiment, the BC suspension comprises between 0.2 and 0.8 % (w / w) BC solids, such as between 0.4 and 0.6%, such as 0.5% BC solids, and has a viscosity of 2000 to 15 000 mPa s, such as between 4000 and 14 000 mPa s, such as between 6000 and 12 000 mPa s at a shear stress of 1 / s at 25°C, preferably the suspension comprises 0.5% BC solids and has a viscosity of 9000 mPa s at a shear stress of 1 / s at 25°C.

[0126] In one embodiment, the BC suspension comprises between 0.1 and 0.5% (w / w) BC solids, such as between 0.1 and 0.4%, such as between 0.1 and 0.3%, such as between 0.1 and 0.2%, and has a viscosity of 0.1 to 5 mPa s, such as between 0.2 and 4 mPa s, such as between 0.3 and 3 mPa s, such as between 0.4 and 2 mPa s, such as between 0.5 and 1 mPa s, such as 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9 mPa s, at a shear stress of 100 / s at 25°C, preferably the suspension comprises 0.1% BC solids and has a viscosity of between 0.5 and 1 mPa s at a shear stress of 100 / s at 25°C.

[0127] In one embodiment, the BC suspension comprises between 1 and 5% (w / w) BC solids, such as between 2 and 4%, such as 3%, and has a viscosity of between 100 and 2000 mPa s, such as between 200 and 1500 mPa s, such as between 300 and 1000 mPa s, preferably the suspension comprises 3% BC solids and has a viscosity between 300 and 1000 mPa s, such as 300 mPa s, 400 mPa s, 500 mPa s, 600 mPa s, 700 mPa s, 800 mPa s, 900 mPa s or 1000 mPa s.

[0128] Preferably, the BC suspension of the present invention has a high water holding capacity. In one embodiment, the viscosity of the BC suspension depends on the amount (% w / w) of BC solids that are in the BC suspension.

[0129] In one embodiment, the BC suspension has a water holding capacity of at least 80 g water / g BC (g / g), such as at least 90 g / g, such as at least 100 g / g, such as at least 110 g / g, such as at least 120 g / g, such as at least 130 g / g, such as at least 140 g / g, such as at least 150 g / g, such as at least 160 g / g, such as at least 170 g / g, such as at least 180 g / g, such as at least 190 g / g, such as at least 200 g / g, preferably wherein the suspension comprises 0.5% BC solids.

[0130] In one embodiment, the BC suspension has a water holding capacity of between 80 and 200 g water / g BC (g / g), such as between 90 and 200 g / g such as between 90 and 180 g / g, such as between 100 and 150 g / g.

[0131] The water holding capacity of a BC suspension may be determined using the methods well known in the art. In particular, the water holding capacity of a BC suspension may be calculated based on how much water the cellulose pellet absorbs. For example, the water holding capacity may be determined by centrifuging the BC suspension at 4500 x G for 20 minutes; removing the supernatant and weighing the pellet; and calculating the water holding capacity according to the formula below, where W is weight: (Wtotal VVsupernatant VVdrypellett) / VVdrypellett

[0132] Further preferably, the BC suspension of the present invention has a high zeta potential. In one embodiment, the zeta potential of the BC suspension depends on the amount (% w / w) of BC solids that are in the BC suspension.

[0133] In one embodiment, the BC suspension has a zeta potential of at least -20 at pH 6 and a concentration of 0.07% (w / w) BC solids, such as at least -22, such as at least -24, such as a zeta potential of at least -26 at pH 6 and a concentration of 0.07% (w / w) BC solids.

[0134] Further preferably, the BC suspension of the present invention has a high crystallinity index.

[0135] In one embodiment, the crystallinity index of the BC is at least 65% when measured by Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, such as at least 70%, such as at least 75%, such as at least 80%, such as at least 85%. In one embodiment, the crystallinity index of the BC is between 65% and 90% when measured by Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, such as between 70% and 90%, such as between 75% and 85%.

[0136] In one embodiment, the crystallinity index of the BC is at least 80% when measured by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), such as at least 85%, such as at least 90%, such as at least 95%.

[0137] In one embodiment, the crystallinity index of the BC is between 80% and 95% when measured by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), such as between 85% and 95%.

[0138] Very surprisingly, the inventors have discovered that maintaining, i.e. not removing, all impurities when processing the BC after it has been produced results in an even more stable BC suspension as compared to if the impurities are removed; in particular, removing acetan is not desirable. Hence, in one embodiment, the BC suspension comprises impurities, and in particular acetan. In one embodiment, the processed BC suspension is produced according to the methods described in the section “Methods for producing bacterial cellulose suspension”, and the impurities are residues from the fermentation broth.

[0139] Thus, in one embodiment, the BC suspension is highly polydisperse, and the smaller fiber cluster fraction may contain bound impurities. In one embodiment, said impurities are in the form of negatively charged proteins, preferably with high nitrogen content. In one embodiment, the smaller, optionally negatively charged, fiber clusters form a stable 3D-network which surrounds the larger fiber clusters, thus stabilizing the whole BC suspension.

[0140] In one embodiment, the impurities are impurities having a neutral electric charge or having a negative electric charge.

[0141] In one embodiment, the impurities are selected from the group consisting of: proteins; nitrogen; ions and salts thereof, such as calcium, sodium, potassium, magnesium and salts thereof, such as calcium chloride, calcium carbonate, calcium sulfate, sodium chloride, sodium carbonate, sodium sulfate, potassium chloride, potassium sulfate, potassium carbonate, magnesium chloride, magnesium carbonate or magnesium sulfate; and silicon and derivatives thereof, such as silica, silicates, siloxane or silicon dioxide. In one embodiment, the BC suspension has a nitrogen content of between 0.05 and 1.2 wt%, such as between 0.1 and 1.1 wt%, such as between 0.1 and 1.2 wt%, such as between 0.1 and 1 wt%, such as between 0.2 and 1 wt%, such as between 0.2 and 0.4 wt%; acetan.

[0142] In one embodiment, the BC suspension has a nitrogen content of at most 1.1 wt%, such as at most 1 wt%, such as at most 0.9 wt%, such as at most 0.8 wt%.

[0143] In one embodiment, the BC suspension has a nitrogen content of at least 0.05 wt%, such as at least 0.1 wt%, such as at least 0.15 wt%, such as at least 0.2 wt%.

[0144] In one embodiment, the BC suspension has a content of ions and salts thereof and / or silicon and derivatives thereof of at least 0.05 wt%, such as at least 0.1 wt%, such as at least 0.15 wt%, such as at least 0.2 wt%.

[0145] In one embodiment, the dry BC suspension has a nitrogen content of between 0.1 and 1 wt.%, and / or a content of ions and salts thereof and / or silicon and derivatives thereof of between 0.1 and 30 wt.%.

[0146] The BC suspension further exhibits the aforementioned characteristics, i.e. it is stable, it is smooth, it does not clump, does not flocculate, and / or does not exhibit water- cellulose separation. The BC suspension is capable of stabilizing particles as aforementioned, in particular the particles may be selected from the group consisting of charcoal particles; jojoba beads; apricot kernel particles; inorganic minerals such as kaolin, colorant particles, TiO2, ZnO2, gelatine beads; oil droplets, oil suspensions and oil emulsions, which optionally comprise an active ingredient such as a vitamin, preferably vitamin A or vitamin E, or retinol, or wherein the active ingredient is not soluble in water but is suspendable in oil. For instance, the particles are microbeads; pearlescents; decorative beads; fragrance beads; gelatine beads; jojoba beads; polyethylene beads; charcoal particles; apricot kernel particles; colorant particles or pigments, such as titanium dioxide or iron oxides; air bubbles; insoluble enzymes; aggregated proteins; encapsulated actives, such as moisturizers or exfoliating agents, such as alpha-hydroxy acids, crystalline cellulose, lactose, magnesium stearate and glycolic acid, or such as crushed walnut shells or sugar; inorganic minerals; kaolin; zeolites; TiO2; ZnO2; vitamins, such as vitamin A or vitamin E; oil droplets; nanoparticles, such as drug delivery nanoparticles; emulsifying agent particles such as lecithin particles or wax particles; sunscreen active particles, such as zinc oxide or titanium dioxide particles; oil suspensions; and oil emulsions, and may comprise an active ingredient such as a vitamin, e.g. vitamin A or vitamin E; retinol or an active ingredient which is not soluble in water but is suspendable in water or oil.

[0147] Thus preferably, the BC suspension does not clump; does not flocculate; and / or does not exhibit water-cellulose separation.

[0148] In one embodiment, the BC suspension does not clump, does not flocculate and / or does no exhibit water-cellulose separation after at least 3 months of storage, such as after at least 4 months of storage, such as after at least 6 months of storage, such as wherein said suspension does not exhibit water-cellulose separation after at least 1 year of storage.

[0149] Due to its stability and the above-mentioned properties, the BC suspension produced from the BC powder disclosed herein further has high particle-suspending properties. In other words, said BC suspension is capable of suspending particles in a stable manner, i.e. so that the particles do not settle and / or precipitate after a certain amount of time.

[0150] In one embodiment, the processed BC suspension, when adjusted to a concentration of 0.05% BC solids or less, exhibits no precipitation of particles after at least 24 h, such as at least 48 h, such as at least 72 h, such as at least 96 h, such as at least one week, such as at least one month, such as at least one year.

[0151] The present BC suspensions are capable of stabilising particles in a composition, in particular an aqueous composition such as a composition comprising water. The composition has a BC solid content of between 0.02% (w / w) and 10%, such as between 0.03% (w / w) and 7.5%, such as between 0.035% (w / w) and 6%, such as between 0.04% (w / w) and 5% (w / w), or for example a BC solid content between 0.02% (w / w) and 0.4% (w / w). The present BC suspensions may have a strong stabilising effect and in some embodiments the suspension thus has a BC solid content of at the most 0.04% (w / w).

[0152] Relevant compositions are personal care products, pharmaceutical products, biomedical products or food products; or relevant compositions may be ingredients of personal care products, pharmaceutical products, biomedical products or food products.

[0153] The BC suspension preferably does not comprise living bacteria, proteins or DNA.

[0154] Yet another advantage is that the BC suspension prepared from the BC powder disclosed herein: a. is stable; b. does not clump; c. does not flocculate; d. does not exhibit water-cellulose separation; e. is capable of stabilizing particles; and / or f. maintains its viscosity; in the following conditions: for at least 6 months of storage, such as for at least 9 months of storage, such as for at least 1 year of storage; at a pH of between 2 and 12, such as at a pH of between 3 and 11 ; and / or at high temperatures.

[0155] Even further, the BC suspension prepared from the BC powder disclosed herein: a. is stable; b. does not clump; c. does not flocculate; d. does not exhibit water-cellulose separation; e. is capable of stabilizing particles; and / or f. maintains its viscosity; in the presence of one or more of the following compounds: surfactant; salt; oil; buffer; particles; emulsifier; thickener; stabilizer; and / or preservative.

[0156] The surfactant may for example be a cationic surfactant, a zwitterionic surfactant, an anionic surfactant, an amphoteric surfactant and / or a nonionic surfactant.

[0157] In one embodiment, the surfactant is selected from the group consisting of cocoamidpropyl betaine (CAPB), sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), sodium laureth sulfate (SLS), lauryl glucoside and surfactants comprising quaternary ammonium cation (QLIAT), decyl glucose, polyquaternium-7 (QLIAT 7), behentrimonium chloride, glyceryl stearate, sodium cetearyl sulphate, glyceryl caprylate, sorbitan laurate / C18-C20 and glycol isostearate.

[0158] In one embodiment, the concentration of surfactant in the BC suspension is at least 5 wt%, such as at least 10 wt%, such as at least 15 wt%, such as at least 20 wt%, such as at least 25 wt%, such as at least 30 wt%.

[0159] The salt may for example be a sodium salt or a calcium salt.

[0160] In one embodiment, the salt is selected from the group consisting of sodium chloride, sodium citrate, sodium dihydrogen phosphate and sodium dihydrogen phosphate.

[0161] In one embodiment, the concentration of salt in the BC suspension is at least 1 wt%, such as at least 5 wt%, such as at least 10 wt%, such as at least 15 wt%, such as at least 20 wt%. Use of the bacterial cellulose suspension

[0162] The stability and several superior properties of the BC suspension, and in particular the processed BC suspension or the BC suspension obtained from redispersing a BC powder obtained from a processed suspension as described herein, which contain acetan at the acetan:BC ratio specified herein above, i.e. at least 0.1 :1 , and particularly the fact that said suspension is stable without chemical modification or addition of other polymers and / or ingredients, opens for numerous applications as exemplified below.

[0163] Skin and cosmetic care. Due to being highly stable, the BC suspension does not phase separate or clump on the skin compared as frequently occurs with other MFC products and non-stabilized BC suspensions. Furthermore, due to the absence of stabilizing polymers the BC suspension has desirable sensorial properties i.e. non- sticky, non-greasy, non-stringy. The BC suspensions and powders described herein, or the compositions comprising such, can thus be used in cosmetic products such as lipstick, foundation, highlighter, primer, mascara, concealer and nail polish. They may also be used in creams, lotions, gels, oils, foams, balms, pomades, moisturizers, serums, soaps, detergents and scrubs, facial cleansers, toothpastes, sunscreens, sunblocks, shampoos, hair conditioners, hair oils, body lotions, body washes, shower gels, lip balms, shaving creams, shaving gels, deodorants, hand soaps, eye creams, eye serums, face creams, anti-wrinkle creams and hand creams.

[0164] Thickening. Due to being highly dispersed and of high cellulose purity, the BC suspension is an effective thickener of aqueous liquids or aqueous solutions or aqueous compositions compared to MFC products and non-stabilized BC suspensions (see Example 4).

[0165] Strengthening. Due to their high stability, the BC suspensions and powders disclosed herein can be used in composites, for examples within the packaging, textile, aerospace, biomedical, automotive and / or construction industry. Packaging can involve paper, cardboard, textiles (such as woven or nonwoven textiles), composites and paints packaging.

[0166] Solids-stabilization. Due to being highly stable and of high cellulose purity, the BC suspension is effective in stabilization of solids, in particular as compared to other MFC products and unstable BC suspensions (see Example 3 and Example 21). The BC suspension or BC powder provided herein can thus be used as a thickener or rheologymodifier, for example in food products, paints, or other composites, such as used within the packaging, textile, biomedical, aerospace, automotive and construction industry. The BC powder or BC suspension provided herein can also be used to stabilize air or foam in water or solid-based materials or composites, optionally wherein said material or composite is suitable for use within the personal care, food, packaging, textile, aerospace, automotive or construction industry. The BC powder or BC suspension can also be used to stabilize actives, such as enzymes, antibodies, vitamins, antioxidants and / or drugs, optionally for a product within the biomedical or personal care industry. Anti-dripping. Due to high water-holding capacity combined with its shear thinning properties, the BC suspension is effectively anti-dripping (see Example 2). This has implications especially for its use as rheology modifier in formulations which are pumped or sprayed onto a surface. The BC suspension or BC powder provided herein can thus be used as a rheology-modifier, for example in food products, paints, or other composites, such as used within the packaging, textile, biomedical, aerospace, automotive and construction industry.

[0167] Film forming. Due to the film forming properties of the BC suspension, it has shown to be effective as an anti-wrinkle ingredient (see Example 14), and potentially also as a mattifying agent e.g., for hiding skin flaws or for cosmetic effects. For the formation of a homogenous film to occur (dry or wet) a stable BC suspension is required. The absence of other polymers which may not be film forming as well as minimal interference of polymer surface charges improves the film forming effect. The present BC suspensions and powders can thus be used for protecting hair and / or skin, as anti- wrinkler, anti-pollution, anti-UV, SPF-boosting, anti-breakage and / or anti-split properties, for example in products within the biomedical or personal care industry.

[0168] SPF booster. Due to being highly crystalline and of high purity, the BC suspension has shown to be an effective SPF (Sun Protection Factor) booster ingredient in sunscreen formulations (see Example 15). The crystalline regions of BC aids in blocking / scattering of UV light, and the dispersed fiber network aids in stabilizing particles such as ZnO and TiC>2 which further enhances the intrinsic SPF of a sunscreen formulation.

[0169] Stabilisation of MFC suspensions. The BC suspension is effective in stabilization of MFC suspensions (see Example 21), i.e. it prevents separation of MFC suspensions into a cellulose fraction and a water fraction. Without being bound by theory, this appears due to the BC suspension’s high stability, and similar to how the BC suspension may at even very low dosages (concentrations) suspend particles or beads, the BC suspension may also suspend larger cellulose fibres then those of the BC, such as the cellulose fibres present in MFC. Thus, in one aspect, the present invention relates to use of the BC suspension as disclosed herein as a thickener, stabilizer, emulsifier and / or rheology modifier.

[0170] In one aspect, the present invention relates to use of the BC suspension as disclosed herein as a film-forming agent, an SPF-boosting agent and / or an anti-wrinkle agent. In one aspect, the present invention relates to use of the BC suspension as disclosed herein as a stabilizer of MFC, such as plant MFC, preferably of a MFC suspension. In another aspect, the present invention relates to use of the BC suspension as disclosed herein for stabilizing MFC, such as plant MFC, preferably a MFC suspension. In some embodiments, the BC suspension is added to said MFC suspension at a concentration of 0.02% w / w to 0.5% w / w, such as 0.03% to 0.5% w / w, such as 0.04% to 0.5% w / w, such as 0.05% to 0.5% w / w, such as 0.1% to 0.5% w / w, such as 0.2% to 0.5% w / w, such as 0.3% to 0.5% w / w, such as 0.4% to 0.5% w / w.

[0171] The present invention further relates to use of the BC suspension as disclosed herein in a method for preparing a composition as defined in the section “Compositions comprising the bacterial cellulose suspension”, or a product as defined in the section “Product comprising the bacterial cellulose suspension”.

[0172] Methods for producing the bacterial cellulose suspension

[0173] The present invention further relates to methods for producing processed BC suspensions, in particular the stable BC suspensions described in the section “Bacterial cellulose suspension”. These processed BC suspensions comprise acetan at specific acetan:BC ratios as described herein above, i.e. in an acetan:BC ratio of at least 0.1:1. In some embodiments, the acetan:BC ratio is of at least 0.2:1 , such as 0.23:1. In some embodiments, the acetan:BC ratio is of 0.5:1, 0.7:1 , 0.9:1 , 1 :1, 1.1:1, 1.2:1 , 1.3:1, 1.4:1 , 1.5:1 or 2:1. In some embodiments, the acetan:BC ratio is of 2.1:1, 2.2:1 , 2.3:1, 2.4:1 , 2.5:1, 2.6:1 , 2.7:1 , 2.8:1, 2.9:1 or 3:1. In some embodiments, the acetan:BC ratio is of 4:1, 4.1:1, 4.2:1 , 4.3:1, 4.4:1 , 4.5:1 , 4.6:1, 4.7:1 , 4.8:1, 4.9:1 or 5:1.

[0174] The present invention relates to a method of producing a processed BC suspension comprising acetan, said method comprising the steps of: a. incubating a cellulose-producing bacteria in a culture medium, wherein the cellulose-producing bacteria produces BC comprising acetan thereby obtaining a fermentation broth comprising BC; b. processing said fermentation broth comprising BC to obtain a processed fermentation broth comprising a processed BC suspension; and c. recovering said processed BC suspension comprising acetan from said processed fermentation broth, thereby obtaining said processed BC suspension comprising acetan, wherein said processed BC suspension comprising acetan is as defined herein above, i.e. has a ratio of acetan to BC (acetan:BC ratio) of at least 0.1:1 and: a. of at least 0.2: 1 , such as of at least 0.3:1, such as of at least 0.4: 1 , such as of at least 0.5:1 , such as of at least 0.8:1 , such as of at least 1:1 , such as of at least 1.1:1, such as of at least 1.2:1, such as of at least 1.5:1, such as of at least 1.6:1, such as of at least 1.7:1 , such as of at least 2:1, such as of at least 2.1 :1, such as of at least 2.2:1 , such as of at least 2.5:1 , such as of at least 2.7:1 , such as of at least 2.8:1 , such as of at least 2.9:1 , such as of at least 3:1, such as of at least 3.5:1 , such as of at least 4:1, such as of at least 4.5:1 , such as of at least 4.6:1, such as of at least 4.7:1 , such as of at least 5: 1 , such as of at least 5.5:1, such as of at least 6:1 , such as of at least 6.5:1 , such as of at least 7:1, such as of at least 7.5:1, such as of at least 8:1 , such as of at least 8.5:1 , such as of at least 9:1, such as of at least 9.5:1 , such as of at least 10: 1 , or more; and / or b. of at the most 10: 1 , such as of at the most 9.5: 1 , such as of at the most 9:1 , such as of at the most 8.5:1 , such as of at the most 8:1 , such as of at the most 7.5:1 , such as of at the most 7:1, such as of at the most 6.5: 1 , such as of at the most 6: 1 , such as of at the most 5.5:1 , such as of at the most 5:1, such as of at the most 4.7:1, such as of at the most 4.6: 1 , such as of at the most 4.5: 1 , such as of at the most 4: 1 , such as of at the most 3.5:1 , such as of at the most 3: 1 , such as of at the most 2.9:1, such as of at the most 2.8:1 , such as of at 2.7:1, such as of at the most 2.5:1, such as of at the most 2.2:1, such as of at the most 2.1:1, such as of at the most 2:1 , such as of at the most 1.7:1 , such as of at the most 1.6:1 , such as of at the most 1.5:1 , such as of at the most 1.2:1, such as of at the most 1.1 :1 , such as of at the most 1:1 , such as of at the most 0.8:1, such as of at the most 0.5: 1 , such as of at the most 0.4:1 , such as of at the most 0.3:1 , such as of at the most 0.2:1 ; and / or c. between 0.1 :1 and 10:1, such as between 0.5:1 and 7.5:1, such as between 1 :1 and 5:1, such as between 1:1 and 4.6:1, such as between 1.1 :1 and 4: 1 , such as between 2: 1 and 3: 1 , such as between 2.1:1 and 2.8:1.

[0175] Hence, in one embodiment, the present invention relates to a method of producing a processed BC suspension, said method comprising the steps of: a. incubating a cellulose-producing bacteria in a culture medium, thereby obtaining BC and a fermentation broth, thereby obtaining a broth comprising a BC suspension; b. processing said BC suspension; and c. recovering said processed BC suspension; wherein said BC suspension is as described herein, in particular in the section “Bacterial cellulose suspension”.

[0176] The processed BC suspension produced by said method does in particular possess one or more properties and characteristics that renders a stable BC suspension, as described above in the section “Bacterial cellulose suspension”.

[0177] Importantly, the method of production does not result in significant removal or degradation of acetan from the BC or BC suspension.

[0178] In particular, harsh treatment of the BC in the step of processing said fermentation broth comprising BC to obtain a processed fermentation broth comprising a BC suspension is preferably avoided. Thus in some embodiments, the method does not comprise bleaching, such as treatment of said fermentation broth comprising BC and / or said processed fermentation broth with a bleaching agent, for example H2O2 and / or NaCICh / NaCIO and / or NaOH. In some embodiments, the method does not comprise crude filtration, with or without crude centrifugation, for example filtration with filters of a size of more than 1 pm, with or without washing. In some embodiments, the method also does not comprise strong alkali treatment, for example with sodium hydroxide at concentrations higher than 0.5 M, such as concentrations higher than 2 M, which may be repeated. The method also does not comprise repeated alkali treatment, i.e. treatment with an alkali at a low concentration, for example sodium hydroxide at less than 0.5 M, more than once. Preferably, the method comprises none of the above.

[0179] The cellulose-producing bacteria used in the method may be any type of bacteria capable of producing cellulose. Preferably, the bacteria are native cellulose producers. Hence, in one embodiment, the cellulose-producing bacteria is of a genus selected from the group consisting of Acetobacter, Gluconacetobacter, Komagataeibacter, Kozakia and Gluco no bacter.

[0180] In one embodiment, the cellulose-producing bacteria is of a species selected from the group consisting of Acetobacter xylinus, Acetobacter xylinum, Acetobacter hansenii, Acetobacter pasteurianus, Acetobacter estunensis, Gluconacetobacter xylinus, Gluconacetobacter diazotrophicus, Kozakia balensiensis Gluconobacter oxydans, Komagataeibacter rhaeticus, Komagataeibacter medellinensis, Komagataeibacter hansenii, Komagataeibacter sucrofermentans and Komagataeibacter xylinus, preferably wherein the cellulose-producing bacteria is Komagataeibacter xylinus.

[0181] The cellulose producing bacteria Komagataeibacter xylinus is also known as Acetobacter xylinus and Gluconobacter xylinus. All three names are used herein interchangeably.

[0182] Many bacteria are known to produce BC, and the skilled person will have, based on the knowledge in the art and the present disclosure, no difficulty in determining whether the BC produced by a given bacteria contains acetan, e.g. based on the method described in Example 17. For instance, the presence of acetan may be determined by using HPLC.

[0183] The incubation of step a. may take place in any type of reactor suitable for producing bacterial cellulose. Preferably, however, the incubation of step a. takes place in an agitated reactor, such as in a stirred tank reactor. In one embodiment, the incubation of step a. is between one and six days, such as between two and five days. The medium source preferably comprises a carbon source such as sucrose.

[0184] An advantage with producing the BC suspension in an agitated reactor is that comminution, for example wet comminution, can be dispensed with, i.e. may not be required during BC suspension processing. Hence, in one embodiment, step b. (i.e. processing said BC suspension) does not comprise a step of wet comminution.

[0185] The processing of step b., i.e. the step of processing said fermentation broth comprising BC to obtain a processed fermentation broth comprising a BC suspension, may comprise one or more steps, as suitable for obtaining a bacterial cellulose suspension as described herein. In one embodiment, the processing of step b. comprises the following sub-steps: i. pre-washing the fermentation broth comprising BC, preferably with water; ii. treating fermentation broth comprising BC or the processed fermentation broth comprising the BC suspension with an alkali, preferably sodium hydroxide, preferably at a concentration lower than 0.5 M, once; iii. treating the fermentation broth comprising BC or the processed fermentation broth comprising the BC suspension with acid, iv. washing the fermentation broth comprising BC or the processed fermentation broth, preferably with water; and / or v. filtrating the fermentation broth comprising BC or the processed fermentation broth, and / or precipitating the fermentation broth comprising BC or the processed fermentation broth, with a solvent, thereby obtaining said processed fermentation broth comprising the BC suspension and / or said processed BC suspension comprising acetan.

[0186] Steps i. to v. may be performed in any order. However, preferably step i. is performed first. Further preferably, step iii. is performed after step ii. In some embodiments, washing and / or filtrating is additionally performed in between one or more of the steps listed above, such as for example in between step ii. and iii. In some embodiments, filtration is performed simultaneously as performing the washing and / or the prewashing.

[0187] In one embodiment the mild alkali used in step ii. is potassium hydroxide. In one embodiment, the mild alkali used in step ii. is sodium hydroxide. In one embodiment, the concentration of sodium hydroxide is at most 10 g / L, such as at most 9 g / L, such as at most 8 g / L, such as at most 7 g / L, such as at most 6 g / L, such as at most 5 g / L, such as at most 4 g / L, such as at most 3 g / L, such as at most 2 g / L, such as at most 1 g / L. In one embodiment, the concentration of sodium hydroxide is between 0.001 and 0.5 M, such as between 0.1 and 0.4 M, such as between 0.2 and 0.3 M, such as 0.25 M sodium hydroxide.

[0188] In one embodiment, the treatment of step iii. comprises treating the BC until it has a pH of between 2 and 8, such as a pH of between 6 and 7, such as a pH between 4 and 7, such as a pH of between 2 and 4, such as a pH of between 2.5 and 3.5, optionally a pH of 3. In one embodiment, said treatment comprises the use of acid, such as for example HCI, optionally HCI with a concentration between 0.001 and 0.5 M.

[0189] In one embodiment, one or more of the steps of washing and filtration comprises use of a 70 nm filter, optionally wherein one or more of said steps comprises dynamic crossflow filtration with a filter having a size between 1 and 500 nm, such as between 50 and 200 nm, such as between 50 and 100 nm, preferably a 70 nm filter. In some embodiments, steps iv. and v. are performed as filtrating said fermentation broth comprising BC or the processed fermentation broth, and / or as washing and precipitating the fermentation broth comprising BC or the processed fermentation broth with a solvent to obtain the processed BC suspension comprising acetan.

[0190] In some embodiments, the precipitation of step v. comprises precipitating the BC with an alcohol such as ethanol.

[0191] Step c., i.e. the step of recovering the processed BC suspension comprising acetan from said processed fermentation broth, may comprise mixing the BC suspension with water.

[0192] In one embodiment, the culture medium is Hestrin-Schramm (HS) medium.

[0193] In one embodiment, the method does not comprise addition of any additional ingredient and / or chemical modification of said suspension by any additional ingredient, wherein the additional ingredient preferably is a polymeric thickener, such as for example a natural polymer, such as for example carboxymethyl cellulose and / or natural gums, such as xanthan, locus or diutan gums; and / or such as wherein said suspension is not chemically modified by oxidation, such as oxidation to COOH, or grafting to a functional group comprising sulphur; and / or wherein said suspension does not comprise and / or is not chemically modified by any stabilising agent such as a polyol. Preferably, the method does not comprise a step of adding any synthetic and / or anionic polymer to the fermentation broth, to the processed fermentation broth comprising BC nor to the obtained processed BC suspension, nor does it comprise a step of mixing any synthetic and / or anionic polymer with the fermentation broth, with the processed fermentation broth comprising BC nor with the obtained processed BC suspension. In particular, compounds such as pectin, carboxymethyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose, xanthan gum, alginates, gellan gum, diutan gum, welan gum, rhamsan gum, carrageenan, guar gum, agar, gum arabic, gum ghatti, karaya gum, gum tragacanth, tamarind gum, or locust bean gum are neither added to nor mixed with the fermentation broth, the processed fermentation broth comprising BC nor the obtained processed BC suspension.

[0194] In one embodiment, the BC suspension produced by the method described herein will retain a fraction of small fiber clusters, optionally between 50 nm and 3000 pm, such as between 50 nm and 2500 pm, such as between 50 nm and 1700 pm, such as between 50 nm and 1500 pm, such as between 50 nm and 1000 pm, such as between 50 nm and 500 pm, such as between 50 nm and 100 pm, such as between 50 nm and 50 pm, such as between 50 nm and 25 pm, such as between 50 nm and 10 pm, such as between 50 nm and 5 pm, such as between 50 nm and 2.5 pm, such as between 50 nm and 1.5 pm, such as between 70 nm and 1 pm, such as between 70 nm and 500 nm. In one embodiment, said small fiber clusters contain impurities, for example the impurities as described herein in the section “Certain characteristics of the BC suspension”, e.g. for example impurities selected from the group consisting of: proteins; nitrogen; ions and salts thereof, such as calcium, sodium, potassium, magnesium and salts thereof, such as calcium chloride, calcium carbonate, calcium sulfate, sodium chloride, sodium carbonate, sodium sulfate, potassium chloride, potassium sulfate, potassium carbonate, magnesium chloride, magnesium carbonate or magnesium sulfate; and silicon and derivatives thereof, such as silica, silicates, siloxane or silicon dioxide. In particular, the processed BC suspension comprises acetan at an acetan:BC ratio described herein elsewhere. In some embodiments, the acetan:BC ratio is of at least 0.2:1 , such as 0.23:1. In some embodiments, the acetan:BC ratio is of 0.5:1, 0.7:1 , 0.9:1 , 1 :1, 1.1:1 , 1.2:1 , 1.3:1, 1.4:1 , 1.5:1 or 2:1. In some embodiments, the acetan:BC ratio is of 2.1:1 , 2.2:1, 2.3:1 , 2.4:1, 2.5:1 , 2.6:1, 2.7:1 , 2.8:1, 2.9:1 or 3:1. In some embodiments, the acetan:BC ratio is of 4:1 , 4.1:1, 4.2:1 , 4.3:1, 4.4:1 , 4.5:1, 4.6:1 , 4.7:1, 4.8:1, 4.9:1 or 5:1.

[0195] In one embodiment, the small fiber clusters are capable of stabilizing larger fiber clusters, such as for example fiber clusters with a size of at least 1 pm, such as at least 1.1 pm, such as at least 1.2 pm, such as at least 1.5 pm, such as at least 10 pm, such as at least 100 pm, such as at least 1000 pm. Hence, the BC suspension described herein may be stable even if it comprises very large BC fiber clusters, particularly if it comprises the small fiber clusters as described in the embodiment herein above.

[0196] In one embodiment, the one or more of the wash and / or filtration steps of the BC suspension processing, i.e. one two or all of steps i., iv. and v. comprises the use of filtration, such as for example crossflow filtration, and a filter, such as for example a nanometer-sized filter, whereby the small fiber cluster fraction is retained throughout the purification procedure.

[0197] In one embodiment, step i. comprises prewash using a centrifuge.

[0198] In one embodiment, bulk impurities, but not acetan, are removed in step ii., by washing of the recovered unprocessed BC suspension (straight out of the fermenter) with water and mild alkali.

[0199] In one embodiment, the BC is neutralized with acid in step iii., to protonate the hydroxyl groups of cellulose, and optionally the hydroxyl and carboxyl groups of proteins of impurities. In one embodiment, said treatment promotes fiber-water interactions.

[0200] In one embodiment, the outcome of the above treatment is a stable BC suspension. Without being bound by theory, said stability may be due to optimal cellulose-to- negatively charged fibers with protonated hydroxyl and carboxyl groups. In particular, the stability appears to be due to the presence of acetan in the suspensions. This prevents flocculation and maximizes BC performance in terms of viscosity, solids stabilization, and sensorial properties. Compositions comprising the bacterial cellulose suspension

[0201] The BC suspension, i.e. the processed BC suspension or the BC suspension obtained after redispersing a BC powder obtained from the processed BC suspension, as described herein, of the present invention is particularly useful for use in certain compositions, for example compositions with applications as described in the section “Use of the bacterial cellulose suspension”.

[0202] The BC suspension may for example be included in a composition as a stabilizer, filler, particle stabilizer, strengthener, film-forming agent, and / or as a rheology and / or viscosity modifier.

[0203] Hence, provided herein is a composition comprising the BC suspension as described herein, in particular in the section “Bacterial cellulose suspension”.

[0204] The BC suspension may be added to any type of composition in any amount suitable for said composition. In one embodiment, the concentration of BC solids in the composition is between 0.01% and 2.5% (w / w), such as between 0.01% and 2% (w / w), such as between 0.02% and 1.5% (w / w), such as between 0.02% and 1.2% (w / w), such as between 0.02 and 1% (w / w), such as between 0.03% and 1.2% (w / w), such as between 0.03% and 1% (w / w), such as between 0.1% and 1.5% (w / w), such as between 0.1% and 1% (w / w), such as between 0.4% and 1.2% (w / w), such as between 0.05% and 0.5% (w / w), such as between 0.2% and 1.2% (w / w) of BC solids.

[0205] The composition may comprise any additional ingredient suitable. In one embodiment, the composition further comprises one or more ingredients selected from the group consisting of proteins, vitamins, peptides, beads, salts, oils, particles, humectants, pH adjusters, pH buffers, preservatives, silicones, antioxidants, disinfectants, antimicrobials, emollients, chelating agents, colorants, fragrances, solvents and surfactants.

[0206] In one embodiment, the surfactant is one or more surfactant selected from the group consisting of anionic surfactant, cationic surfactant and zwitter-ionic surfactant.

[0207] In one embodiment, the particle is one or more particle selected from the group consisting of charcoal particles, apricot kernel particles and jojoba beads. In one embodiment, the oil is one or more oil selected form the group consisting of paraffin and jojoba oil.

[0208] In one embodiment, the composition comprising the BC suspension is stable. Hence, preferably, the composition comprising the BC suspension does not flocculate, coagulate and / or does not exhibit water-cellulose separation.

[0209] In one embodiment, there is no coagulation, flocculation and / or water-cellulose phase separation of said composition after at least 3 months of storage, such as after at least 4 months of storage, such as after at least 6 months of storage, such as wherein there is no phase separation of said composition after at least 1 year of storage.

[0210] Whether or not the composition is stable and / or does not coagulate, flocculate and / or water-cellulose phase separate can be tested as described above in the section “Bacterial cellulose suspension”.

[0211] As stated above in the section “Bacterial cellulose suspension”, a great advantage with the BC suspension disclosed herein is that it is stable and capable of stabilizing compositions in the absence of additional ingredients and / or chemical modifications. Hence, in one embodiment, the composition does not comprise any additional thickener, stabilizer and / or rheology modifier, optionally wherein said composition does not comprise any additional polymeric thickener, such as for example a natural polymer, such as for example carboxymethyl cellulose and / or natural gums.

[0212] MFC suspensions comprising BC and acetan

[0213] Also provided herein is a microfibrillated cellulose suspension comprising BC and acetan. Preferably, the acetan:BC ratio is as defined herein above, in particular the acetan: BC ratio is of at least 0.1:1 and: a. of at least 0.2: 1 , such as of at least 0.3:1, such as of at least 0.4: 1 , such as of at least 0.5:1 , such as of at least 0.8:1 , such as of at least 1:1 , such as of at least 1.1:1, such as of at least 1.2:1, such as of at least 1.5:1, such as of at least 1.6:1 , such as of at least 1.7:1 , such as of at least 2:1, such as of at least 2.1 :1 , such as of at least 2.2:1 , such as of at least 2.5:1 , such as of at least 2.7:1 , such as of at least 2.8:1 , such as of at least 2.9:1 , such as of at least 3:1, such as of at least 3.5:1 , such as of at least 4:1, such as of at least 4.5:1 , such as of at least 4.6:1, such as of at least 4.7:1, such as of at least 5: 1 , such as of at least 5.5:1, such as of at least 6:1 , such as of at least 6.5:1 , such as of at least 7:1, such as of at least 7.5:1, such as of at least 8:1 , such as of at least 8.5:1 , such as of at least 9:1, such as of at least 9.5:1 , such as of at least 10: 1 , or more; and / or b. of at the most 10: 1 , such as of at the most 9.5: 1 , such as of at the most 9:1 , such as of at the most 8.5:1 , such as of at the most 8:1 , such as of at the most 7.5:1 , such as of at the most 7:1, such as of at the most 6.5: 1 , such as of at the most 6: 1 , such as of at the most 5.5:1 , such as of at the most 5:1, such as of at the most 4.7:1, such as of at the most 4.6:1, such as of at the most 4.5:1 , such as of at the most 4:1 , such as of at the most 3.5:1 , such as of at the most 3:1, such as of at the most 2.9:1, such as of at the most 2.8:1 , such as of at 2.7:1, such as of at the most 2.5:1, such as of at the most 2.2:1, such as of at the most 2.1:1, such as of at the most 2:1 , such as of at the most 1.7:1 , such as of at the most 1.6:1 , such as of at the most 1.5:1 , such as of at the most 1.2:1, such as of at the most 1.1 :1 , such as of at the most 1:1 , such as of at the most 0.8:1, such as of at the most 0.5: 1 , such as of at the most 0.4:1 , such as of at the most 0.3:1 , such as of at the most 0.2:1 ; and / or c. between 0.1 :1 and 10:1, such as between 0.5:1 and 7.5:1, such as between 1 :1 and 5:1, such as between 1:1 and 4.6:1, such as between 1.1 :1 and 4: 1 , such as between 2: 1 and 3: 1 , such as between 2.1:1 and 2.8:1.

[0214] The acetan is as described herein elsewhere, in particular in the section “Acetan content of the processed BC suspension”. In some embodiments, the acetan:BC ratio is of at least 0.2:1, such as 0.23:1. In some embodiments, the acetan: BC ratio is of 0.5:1 , 0.7:1, 0.9:1 , 1 :1 , 1.1:1, 1.2:1 , 1.3:1, 1.4:1 , 1.5:1 or 2:1. In some embodiments, the acetan:BC ratio is of 2.1:1, 2.2:1 , 2.3:1, 2.4:1 , 2.5:1, 2.6:1, 2.7:1 , 2.8:1, 2.9:1 or 3:1. In some embodiments, the acetan:BC ratio is of 4:1, 4.1:1 , 4.2:1 , 4.3:1, 4.4:1 , 4.5:1, 4.6:1, 4.7:1, 4.8:1 , 4.9:1 or 5:1. Such MFC suspensions may be stable, smooth and / or do not exhibit water-cellulose separation. At any rate, the MFC suspension preferably exhibits reduced water- cellulose separation compared to a corresponding MFC suspension which: does not comprise said BC and acetan; comprises BC (processed or unprocessed) and acetan at a ratio different than indicated herein above; comprises BC (processed or unprocessed) without acetan.

[0215] Water-cellulose separation may be determined by methods known in the art, for example by water pillar height at least 4 days after preparation of said suspension, and the water pillar height of said MFC suspension comprising BC and acetan is lower compared to the water pillar height of a corresponding suspension not comprising said BC and acetan.

[0216] Such MFC suspensions are preferably capable of stabilising particles. Preferably, the MFC solid content is of 0.04% (w / w) and the BC solid content is of at least 0.02%; the BC solid content may however be at the most 0.02% (w / w). The particles may be as described herein elsewhere.

[0217] The uses of such MFC suspensions are the same as the uses of the BC suspensions (processed or obtained after redispersing a BC powder obtained from a processed BC suspension as described herein) and powder described in “Use of the bacterial cellulose suspension”.

[0218] Products comprising the bacterial cellulose suspension

[0219] The BC suspension of the present invention is further highly useful in certain products, for example (but not limited to) products related to the uses described in the section “Use of the bacterial cellulose”.

[0220] Hence, provided herein is a product comprising the processed BC suspension as described herein in the section “Bacterial cellulose suspension”, or comprising a BC suspension obtained after redispersing a BC powder as described herein, as detailed in “BC suspensions comprising a redispersed BC powder comprising acetan” and “Methods for preparing BC suspensions with a redispersable BC powder comprising acetan”. Further provided herein is a product comprising the composition as described herein in the section “Compositions comprising the bacterial cellulose suspension”.

[0221] In one embodiment, the product is selected from the group consisting of personal care products, cosmetic products, pharmaceutical products, biomedical products and food products.

[0222] In one embodiment, the cosmetic product is selected from the group consisting of lipstick, mascara, foundation, highlighter, primer, concealer and nail polish.

[0223] In one embodiment, the personal care product is selected from the group consisting of cream, lotion, gel, oil, foam, balm, pomade, moisturizer, serum, soap, detergent and scrub, for example wherein the product is facial cleanser, toothpaste, sunscreen, sunblock, shampoo, hair conditioner, hair oil, body lotion, body wash, shower gel, lip balm, shaving cream, shaving gel, deodorant, hand soap, eye cream, eye serum, face cream, anti-wrinkle cream and hand cream.

[0224] Re-dispersible bacterial cellulose powder

[0225] Also provided herein is BC powder comprising BC and acetan, wherein the ratio of acetan to BC (acetan: BC) is of at least 0.1:1 and: a. of at least 0.2: 1 , such as of at least 0.3:1, such as of at least 0.4: 1 , such as of at least 0.5:1 , such as of at least 0.8:1 , such as of at least 1:1 , such as of at least 1.1:1, such as of at least 1.2:1, such as of at least 1.5:1, such as of at least 1.6:1, such as of at least 1.7:1 , such as of at least 2:1, such as of at least 2.1 :1, such as of at least 2.2:1 , such as of at least 2.5:1 , such as of at least 2.7:1 , such as of at least 2.8:1 , such as of at least 2.9:1 , such as of at least 3:1, such as of at least 3.5:1 , such as of at least 4:1 , such as of at least 4.5:1 , such as of at least 4.6:1, such as of at least 4.7:1, such as of at least 5: 1 , such as of at least 5.5:1, such as of at least 6:1 , such as of at least 6.5:1 , such as of at least 7:1, such as of at least 7.5:1, such as of at least 8:1 , such as of at least 8.5:1 , such as of at least 9:1, such as of at least 9.5:1 , such as of at least 10: 1 , or more; and / or b. of at the most 10: 1 , such as of at the most 9.5: 1 , such as of at the most 9:1, such as of at the most 8.5:1, such as of at the most 8:1, such as of at the most 7.5:1, such as of at the most 7:1, such as of at the most 6.5: 1 , such as of at the most 6: 1 , such as of at the most 5.5:1, such as of at the most 5:1, such as of at the most 4.7:1, such as of at the most 4.6:1, such as of at the most 4.5:1, such as of at the most 4:1, such as of at the most 3.5:1, such as of at the most 3: 1 , such as of at the most 2.9:1, such as of at the most 2.8:1, such as of at 2.7:1, such as of at the most 2.5:1, such as of at the most 2.2:1, such as of at the most 2.1:1, such as of at the most 2:1, such as of at the most 1.7:1, such as of at the most 1.6:1, such as of at the most 1.5:1, such as of at the most 1.2:1, such as of at the most 1.1:1, such as of at the most 1:1, such as of at the most 0.8:1, such as of at the most 0.5: 1 , such as of at the most 0.4:1, such as of at the most 0.3:1, such as of at the most 0.2:1; and / or c. between 0.1:1 and 10:1, such as between 0.5:1 and 7.5:1, such as between 1:1 and 5:1, such as between 1:1 and 4.6:1, such as between 1.1:1 and 4: 1 , such as between 2: 1 and 3: 1 , such as between 2.1:1 and 2.8:1.

[0226] Such BC powders can be obtained by the present processed BC suspensions as described herein below.

[0227] In some embodiments, the acetan:BC ratio is of at least 0.2:1, such as 0.23:1. In some embodiments, the acetan:BC ratio is of 0.5:1, 0.7:1, 0.9:1, 1:1, 1.1:1, 1.2:1, 1.3:1, 1.4:1, 1.5:1 or 2:1. In some embodiments, the acetan:BC ratio is of 2.1:1, 2.2:1, 2.3:1, 2.4:1, 2.5:1, 2.6:1, 2.7:1, 2.8:1, 2.9:1 or 3:1. In some embodiments, the acetan:BC ratio is of 4:1, 4.1:1, 4.2:1, 4.3:1, 4.4:1, 4.5:1, 4.6:1, 4.7:1, 4.8:1, 4.9:1 or 5:1.

[0228] The BC powder may be dispersible or redispersible in aqueous solutions, by zero shear or low shear mixing, in particular by mixing at between 300 rpm and 20,000 rpm, such as between 500 rpm and 5000 rpm, such as between 600 rpm and 10,000 rpm, such as at 10000 rpm, optionally by mixing for between 30 seconds and 25 minutes, such as by mixing for between 1 minute and 20 minutes, for example for 1 minute. The mixing may alternatively be performed with a deflocculator, such as a deflocculator mixer or a deflocculator turbine. Since the present BC powder is obtained directly from the processed BC suspensions described herein, it will have essentially the same characteristics. In particular, it does not comprise any additional synthetic and / or anionic polymer, such as pectin, carboxymethyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose, xanthan gum, alginates, gellan gum, diutan gum, welan gum, rhamsan gum, carrageenan, guar gum, agar, gum arabic, gum ghatti, karaya gum, gum tragacanth, tamarind gum, or locust bean gum.

[0229] Upon redispersion, the present BC powder will have a high recovery of viscosity. For example, the BC powder has a recovery of viscosity of at least 40% upon redispersion, such as at least 45%, such as at least 49%, such as at least 50%, such as at least 60%, such as at least 70%, such as at least 71%, such as at least 73%, such as at least 78%, such as at least 80%, such as at least 82%, such as at least 88%, such as at least 90%, such as a recovery of viscosity of 100% upon redispersion, wherein the recovery of viscosity upon redispersion is relative to the viscosity of a corresponding never-dried BC suspension having the same concentration of BC.

[0230] Preferably, the BC powder has BC which has a crystallinity of at least 30%, such as at least 40%, such as at least 50%, such as at least 60%, such as at least 70%, such as at least 80%, wherein the crystallinity is determined with Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) by calculating the peak ratio at 1430 and 898 cm-1. The BC powder may have a crystallinity of between 30% and 100%, such as between 50% and 100%, such as between 40% and 90%, such as between 60% and 90%, such as between, 70% and 90%, such as between 70% and 85%, wherein the crystallinity is determined with FTIR by calculating the peak ratio at 1430 and 898 cm-1. The crystallinity here refers to the crystallinity of the BC in the BC powder, i.e. the acetan must be removed from the BC powder comprising acetan by methods known in the art.

[0231] The BC powder may comprise powder particles with any suitable characteristics and morphological properties, such as any suitable size, such as circular equivalent diameter, convexity, circularity, elongation, shape and / or surface.

[0232] In one embodiment, the BC powder comprises powder particles with an average powder particle size of between 0.1 and 500 pm, such as between 1 and 100 pm, such as between 1 and 50 pm, such as between 10 and 40 pm, such as between 15 and 30 pm, such as between 19 and 24 pm, wherein the average powder particle size is calculated based on the powder particle volume distribution.

[0233] In one embodiment, the BC powder comprises powder particles with an average powder particle size of between 0.01 and 200 pm, such as between 0.01 and 100 pm, such as between 0.1 and 200 pm, such as between 0.1 and 20 pm, such as between 1 and 15 pm, such as between 1 and 10 pm, such as between 2 and 9 pm, such as between 4 and 8 pm, wherein the average powder particle size is calculated based on the powder particle number distribution.

[0234] In one embodiment, the BC powder comprises powder particles with an average convexity of at least 0.8, such as at least 0.85, such as at least 0.9, such as at least 0.92, such as at least 0.94, such as at least 0.96, such as at least 0.97, wherein the average convexity is calculated based on the powder particle number distribution or based on the powder particle volume distribution.

[0235] Thus, in one embodiment, the BC powder comprises powder particles with a smooth surface.

[0236] In one embodiment, the BC powder comprises powder particles with an average elongation of between 0.4 and 0.7, such as between 0.45 and 0.65, wherein the average elongation is calculated based on the powder particle volume distribution.

[0237] In one embodiment, the BC powder comprises powder particles with an average elongation of between 0.1 and 0.4, such as between 0.2 and 0.3, wherein the average elongation is calculated based on the powder particle number distribution.

[0238] Thus, in one embodiment, the BC powder comprises elliptical-shaped powder particles. In one embodiment, the BC powder comprises powder particles with an average circularity of at least 0.7, such as at least 0.75, such as at least 0.8, such as at least 0.85, such as at least 0.9, wherein the average circularity is calculated based on the powder particle volume distribution.

[0239] In one embodiment, the BC powder comprises powder particles with an average circularity of at least 0.7, such as at least 0.75, such as at least 0.8, wherein the average circularity is calculated based on the powder particle number distribution.

[0240] Thus, in one embodiment, the BC powder comprises powder particles with a circular shape.

[0241] Any of the above-mentioned properties of the BC powder particles may be determined using any suitable method known in the art. For example, the above-mentioned properties of a BC powder particle may be determined by determining the circularity, convexity, elongation and circular equivalent (CE) diameter of the powder particles using a Malvern Morphology G3 microscope as demonstrated in Example 7 of the present application. All of said parameters may be calculated based on the number distribution or based on the volume distribution as also described in Example 7 of the present application.

[0242] Methods for producing a re-dispersible bacterial cellulose powder

[0243] The BC powders described herein above are obtained by a method comprising the steps of: a. providing a processed BC suspension comprising acetan, preferably as described herein, and b. drying said processed BC suspension; thereby obtaining said BC powder, preferably wherein said BC powder is as described herein.

[0244] Preferably, the BC powder comprises acetan, wherein the ratio of acetan to BC (acetan: BC) is of at least 0.1:1 and: a. of at least 0.2: 1 , such as of at least 0.3:1, such as of at least 0.4: 1 , such as of at least 0.5:1 , such as of at least 0.8:1 , such as of at least 1:1 , such as of at least 1.1:1, such as of at least 1.2:1, such as of at least 1.5:1, such as of at least 1.6:1, such as of at least 1.7:1 , such as of at least 2:1, such as of at least 2.1 :1, such as of at least 2.2:1 , such as of at least 2.5:1 , such as of at least 2.7:1 , such as of at least 2.8:1 , such as of at least 2.9:1 , such as of at least 3:1, such as of at least 3.5:1 , such as of at least 4:1, such as of at least 4.5:1 , such as of at least 4.6:1, such as of at least 4.7:1 , such as of at least 5: 1 , such as of at least 5.5:1, such as of at least 6:1 , such as of at least 6.5:1 , such as of at least 7:1, such as of at least 7.5:1, such as of at least 8:1 , such as of at least 8.5:1 , such as of at least 9:1, such as of at least 9.5:1 , such as of at least 10: 1 , or more; and / or b. of at the most 10: 1 , such as of at the most 9.5: 1 , such as of at the most 9:1 , such as of at the most 8.5:1 , such as of at the most 8:1 , such as of at the most 7.5:1 , such as of at the most 7:1, such as of at the most 6.5: 1 , such as of at the most 6: 1 , such as of at the most 5.5:1 , such as of at the most 5:1, such as of at the most 4.7:1, such as of at the most 4.6: 1 , such as of at the most 4.5: 1 , such as of at the most 4: 1 , such as of at the most 3.5:1 , such as of at the most 3: 1 , such as of at the most 2.9:1, such as of at the most 2.8:1 , such as of at 2.7:1, such as of at the most 2.5:1, such as of at the most 2.2:1, such as of at the most 2.1:1, such as of at the most 2:1 , such as of at the most 1.7:1 , such as of at the most 1.6:1 , such as of at the most 1.5:1 , such as of at the most 1.2:1, such as of at the most 1.1 :1 , such as of at the most 1:1 , such as of at the most 0.8:1, such as of at the most 0.5: 1 , such as of at the most 0.4:1 , such as of at the most 0.3:1 , such as of at the most 0.2:1 ; and / or c. between 0.1 :1 and 10:1, such as between 0.5:1 and 7.5:1, such as between 1 :1 and 5:1, such as between 1:1 and 4.6:1, such as between 1.1 :1 and 4: 1 , such as between 2: 1 and 3: 1 , such as between 2.1:1 and 2.8:1.

[0245] In some embodiments, the acetan:BC ratio is of at least 0.2:1 , such as 0.23:1. In some embodiments, the acetan:BC ratio is of 0.5:1 , 0.7:1, 0.9:1, 1:1 , 1.1 :1, 1.2:1, 1.3:1 , 1.4:1, 1.5:1 or 2:1. In some embodiments, the acetan:BC ratio is of 2.1:1 , 2.2:1 , 2.3:1 , 2.4:1, 2.5:1 , 2.6:1, 2.7:1 , 2.8:1, 2.9:1 or 3:1. In some embodiments, the acetan:BC ratio is of 4:1 , 4.1:1, 4.2:1 , 4.3:1, 4.4:1 , 4.5:1, 4.6:1 , 4.7:1, 4.8:1 , 4.9:1 or 5:1.

[0246] How to obtain the BC suspension, i.e. how to perform step a., has been described in detail in “Methods for producing the bacterial cellulose suspension”.

[0247] The skilled person will have no difficulty in performing the step of drying the processed BC suspension (step b.). For instance, spray drying and / or oven drying may be employed.

[0248] BC suspensions comprising a redispersed BC powder comprising acetan

[0249] Also provided herein are BC suspensions comprising the BC powders described above redispersed, such as resuspended, in an aqueous solution. The aqueous solution may be, but is not in any way limited to, water. Such BC suspensions can be termed “reconstructed BC suspensions”.

[0250] The BC powder may be resuspended in an aqueous solution in any amount suitable to obtain a specific suitable concentration (e.g. wt%) of BC powder in said BC suspension.

[0251] In one embodiment, the BC suspension comprises at least 0.02 wt%, such as at least 0.04 wt%, such as at least 0.05 wt%, such as at least 0.1 wt%, such as at least 0.5 wt% BC powder.

[0252] In one embodiment, the BC suspension comprises between 0.02 and 3 wt% BC powder, such as between 0.02 and 2.4 wt%, such as between 0.02 and 2 wt%, such as between 0.03 and 2.8 wt%, such as between 0.03 and 2.4 wt%, such as between 0.03 and 2 wt%, such as between 0.04 and 2.8 wt%, such as between 0.04 and 2.4 wt%, such as between 0.04 and 2 wt%, such as between 0.05 and 1.5 wt%, such as between 0.04 and 1.2 wt% BC powder, such as between 0.1 and 2 wt% BC powder.

[0253] Preferably, the BC suspension prepared from the BC powder disclosed herein has a high water holding capacity, i.e. a water holding capacity of at least 80 g water per gram BC. In one embodiment, the BC suspension has a water holding capacity of at least 80 g water / g BC (g / g), such as at least 90 g / g, such as at least 100 g / g, such as at least 110 g / g, such as at least 120 g / g, such as at least 130 g / g, such as at least 140 g / g, such as at least 150 g / g, such as at least 160 g / g, such as at least 170 g / g, such as at least 180 g / g, such as at least 190 g / g, such as at least 200 g / g.

[0254] Methods for preparing BC suspensions with a redispersable BC powder comprising acetan

[0255] Also provided herein is a method for preparing a BC suspension (or a reconstructed BC suspension), said method comprising mixing the BC powder comprising acetan described herein with an aqueous solution, thereby obtaining a BC suspension comprising acetan.

[0256] The method may comprise or consist of the steps of performing the method described in “Methods for producing a re-dispersible bacterial cellulose powder” to obtain a BC powder comprising acetan at an acetan: BC ratio as described herein, and mixing the BC powder with an aqueous solution to obtain the BC suspension.

[0257] Items

[0258] 1. A bacterial cellulose (BC) suspension comprising between 0.02% and 3% (w / w) BC solids, wherein said suspension: a. comprises BC fiber clusters having a size between 50 nm and 1500 pm; b. has a viscosity between 0.5 and 5000 mPa-s at a shear stress of 100 / s at 25°C, and / or a viscosity of between 5000 and 60 000 mPa-s at a shear stress of 1 / s at 25°C; and c. has a water holding capacity of at least 80 g water / g BC.

[0259] 2. A processed bacterial cellulose (BC) suspension, having a ratio of acetan and BC (acetan:BC ratio) of at least 0.1 :1 and: a. of at least 0.2: 1 , such as of at least 0.3:1, such as of at least 0.4: 1 , such as of at least 0.5:1 , such as of at least 0.8:1 , such as of at least 1:1 , such as of at least 1.1:1, such as of at least 1.2:1, such as of at least 1.5:1, such as of at least 1.6:1 , such as of at least 1.7:1 , such as of at least 2:1, such as of at least 2.1 :1 , such as of at least 2.2:1 , such as of at least 2.5:1 , such as of at least 2.7:1 , such as of at least 2.8:1 , such as of at least 2.9:1 , such as of at least 3:1, such as of at least 3.5:1 , such as of at least 4:1, such as of at least 4.5:1 , such as of at least 4.6:1, such as of at least 4.7:1, such as of at least 5: 1 , such as of at least 5.5:1, such as of at least 6:1 , such as of at least 6.5:1 , such as of at least 7:1, such as of at least 7.5:1, such as of at least 8:1 , such as of at least 8.5:1 , such as of at least 9:1, such as of at least 9.5:1 , such as of at least 10: 1 , or more; and / or b. of at the most 10: 1 , such as of at the most 9.5: 1 , such as of at the most 9:1 , such as of at the most 8.5:1 , such as of at the most 8:1 , such as of at the most 7.5:1 , such as of at the most 7:1, such as of at the most 6.5: 1 , such as of at the most 6: 1 , such as of at the most 5.5:1 , such as of at the most 5:1, such as of at the most 4.7:1, such as of at the most 4.6:1, such as of at the most 4.5:1 , such as of at the most 4:1 , such as of at the most 3.5:1 , such as of at the most 3:1, such as of at the most 2.9:1, such as of at the most 2.8:1 , such as of at 2.7:1, such as of at the most 2.5:1, such as of at the most 2.2:1, such as of at the most 2.1:1, such as of at the most 2:1 , such as of at the most 1.7:1 , such as of at the most 1.6:1 , such as of at the most 1.5:1 , such as of at the most 1.2:1, such as of at the most 1.1 :1 , such as of at the most 1:1 , such as of at the most 0.8:1, such as of at the most 0.5: 1 , such as of at the most 0.4:1 , such as of at the most 0.3:1 , such as of at the most 0.2:1 ; and / or c. between 0.1 :1 and 10:1, such as between 0.5:1 and 7.5:1, such as between 1 :1 and 5:1, such as between 1:1 and 4.6:1, such as between 1.1 :1 and 4: 1 , such as between 2: 1 and 3: 1 , such as between 2.1:1 and 2.8:1. The BC suspension according to any one of the preceding items, wherein the acetan comprises at least the monosaccharides glucose (Glc) and mannose (Man), and optionally rhamnose (Rha), arabinose (Ara), xylose (Xyl), galactose (Gal), uronic acid (UrA), and / or glucuronic acid (GlcA). The processed BC suspension according to any one of the preceding items, wherein the BC suspension further comprises fructan and / or levan. 5. The processed BC suspension according to any one of the preceding items, wherein acetan comprises at least three different monosaccharides, such as at least four different monosaccharides, such as five different monosaccharides, wherein said monosaccharides comprising at least Glc and Man, preferably wherein said acetan comprises four different monosaccharides comprising or consisting of Glc, Man, Rha, UrA, and GlcA.

[0260] 6. The processed BC suspension according to any one of the preceding items, wherein the suspension: does not clump, does not flocculate, is stable, and / or does not exhibit water-cellulose separation.

[0261] 7. The BC suspension according to any one of the preceding items, wherein said suspension comprises between 0.02% and 2.8% (w / w) BC solids, such as between 0.04% and 2.6% (w / w) BC solids, such as between 0.02% and 2.4% (w / w) BC solids, such as between 0.02% and 2.2% (w / w) BC solids, such as between 0.02% and 2% (w / w) BC solids, such as between 0.03% and 2% (w / w) BC solids, such as between 0.04% and 2% (w / w) BC solids, such as between 0.1% and 2.8% (w / w) BC solids, such as between 0.5 and 2.6% (w / w) BC solids, such as between 0.2% and 1.8% (w / w) BC solids, such as between 0.4% and 1.6% (w / w) BC solids, such as between 0.6% and 1.4% (w / w) BC solids, such as between 0.8% and 1.2% (w / w) BC solids, such as between 0.9% and 1.1% (w / w) BC solids, such as between 0.5% and 1.5% (w / w) BC solids, such as between 0.75% and 1.25% (w / w) BC solids, such as between 2% and 3% (w / w) BC solids, such as between 2.4% and 2.8% (w / w) BC solids.

[0262] 8. The BC suspension according to any one of the preceding items, wherein the BC fiber clusters have a size between 50 nm and 1400 pm, such as between 60 nm and 1300 pm, such as between 65 nm and 1200 pm, such as between 65 nm and 1100 pm, such as between 70 nm and 1000 pm, such as between 50 nm and 500 pm, such as between 50 nm and 300 pm, such as between 50 nm and 200 pm, such as between 65 nm and 200 pm, such as between 70 nm and 150 pm. The BC suspension according to any one of the preceding items, wherein said suspension has a viscosity between 0.5 and 2000 mPa-s at a shear stress of 100 / s at 25°C, such as between 0.5 and 1 mPa s, such as between 20 and 100 mPa s, such as between 300 and 1000 mPa s, such as 1500 mPa s, such as between 10 and 1000 mPa s, such as between 5 and 1000 mPa s at a shear stress of 100 / s at 25°C, preferably wherein the suspension comprises 1% (w / w) of BC solids. The BC suspension according to any one of the preceding items, wherein said suspension is capable of stabilizing particles in a composition. The processed BC suspension according to any one of the preceding items, wherein said suspension is capable of stabilizing particles in a composition, such as an aqueous composition, for example a composition comprising water, when said suspension has a BC solid content of between 0.02% (w / w) and 10%, such as between 0.03% (w / w) and 7.5%, such as between 0.035% (w / w) and 6%, such as between 0.04% (w / w) and 5% (w / w), or for example a BC solid content between 0.02% (w / w) and 0.4% (w / w). The processed BC suspension according to any one of the preceding items, wherein said suspension is capable of stabilizing particles in a composition, such as an aqueous composition, for example a suspension comprising water, when said composition has a BC solid content of at the most 0.04% (w / w). The processed BC suspension according to any one of the preceding items, wherein said suspension has a viscosity between 10 000 and 40 000 mPa-s at a shear stress of 1 / s at 25°C, such as between 12 000 and 35 000 mPa s, such as between 15 000 and 35 000 mPa s, such as between 16 000 and 30 000 mPa s at a shear stress of 1 / s at 25°C. The BC suspension according to any one of the preceding items, wherein said suspension comprises between 0.8 and 1.2 % (w / w) BC solids, such as between 0.9 and 1.1%, such as 1% BC solids, and has a viscosity of 75 to 150 mPa s, such as between 80 and 125 mPa s, such as between 90 and 110 mPa s, such as 100 mPa s, at a shear stress of 100 / s at 25°C, preferably the suspension comprises 1 % BC solids and has a viscosity of 100 mPa s at a shear stress of 100 / s at 25°C.

[0263] 15. The BC suspension according to any one of the preceding items, wherein said suspension comprises between 0.8 and 1.2 % (w / w) BC solids, such as between 0.9 and 1.1%, such as 1 % BC solids, and has a viscosity of 5000 to 50 000 mPa s, such as between 10 000 and 40 000 mPa s, such as between 14 000 and 36 000 mPa s at a shear stress of 1 / s at 25°C, preferably the suspension comprises 1 % BC solids and has a viscosity of 25 000 mPa s at a shear stress of 1 / s at 25°C.

[0264] 16. The BC suspension according to any one of the preceding items, wherein said suspension comprises between 0.2 and 0.8 % (w / w) BC solids, such as between 0.4 and 0.6%, such as 0.5% BC solids, and has a viscosity of 2000 to 15 000 mPa s, such as between 4000 and 14 000 mPa s, such as between 6000 and 12 000 mPa s at a shear stress of 1 / s at 25°C, preferably the suspension comprises 0.5% BC solids and has a viscosity of 9000 mPa s at a shear stress of 1 / s at 25°C.

[0265] 17. The BC suspension according to any one of the preceding items, wherein said suspension comprises between 0.1 and 0.5% (w / w) BC solids, such as between 0.1 and 0.4%, such as between 0.1 and 0.3%, such as between 0.1 and 0.2%, and has a viscosity of 0.1 to 5 mPa s, such as between 0.2 and 4 mPa s, such as between 0.3 and 3 mPa s, such as between 0.4 and 2 mPa s, such as between 0.5 and 1 mPa s, such as 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9 mPa s, at a shear stress of 100 / s at 25°C, preferably the suspension comprises 0.1% BC solids and has a viscosity of between 0.5 and 1 mPa s at a shear stress of 100 / s at 25°C.

[0266] 18. The BC suspension according to any one of the preceding items, wherein said suspension comprises between 1 and 5% (w / w) BC solids, such as between 2 and 4%, such as 3%, and has a viscosity of between 100 and 2000 mPa s, such as between 200 and 1500 mPa s, such as between 300 and 1000 mPa s, preferably the suspension comprises 3% BC solids and has a viscosity between 300 and 1000 mPa s, such as 300 mPa s, 400 mPa s, 500 mPa s, 600 mPa s,

[0267] 700 mPa s, 800 mPa s, 900 mPa s or 1000 mPa s.

[0268] 19. The BC suspension according to any one of the preceding items, wherein said suspension has a water holding capacity of at least 110 g water / g BC (g / g), such as at least 120 g / g, such as at least 130 g / g, such as at least 140 g / g, such as at least 150 g / g, such as at least 160 g / g, such as at least 170 g / g, such as at least 180 g / g, such as at least 190 g / g, such as at least 200 g / g, preferably wherein the suspension comprises 0.5% BC solids.

[0269] 20. The BC suspension according to any one of the preceding items, wherein said suspension has a water holding capacity of between 90 and 200 g water / g BC (g / g), such as between 90 and 180 g / g, such as between 100 and 150 g / g.

[0270] 21. The BC suspension according to any one of the preceding items, wherein said suspension has a zeta potential of at least -20 at pH 6 and a concentration of 0.07% (w / w) BC solids, such as at least -22, such as at least -24, such as a zeta potential of at least -26 at pH 6 and a concentration of 0.07% (w / w) BC solids.

[0271] 22. The BC suspension according to any one of the preceding items, wherein the crystallinity index of the BC is at least 65% when measured by Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, such as at least 70%, such as at least 75%, such as at least 80%, such as at least 85%.

[0272] 23. The BC suspension according to any one of the preceding items, wherein the crystallinity index of the BC is between 65% and 90% when measured by Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, such as between 70% and 90%, such as between 75% and 85%.

[0273] 24. The BC suspension according to any one of the preceding items, wherein the crystallinity index of the BC is at least 80% when measured by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), such as at least 85%, such as at least 90%, such as at least 95%. 25. The BC suspension according to any one of the preceding items, wherein the crystallinity index of the BC is between 80% and 95% when measured by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), such as between 85% and 95%.

[0274] 26. The BC suspension according to any one of the preceding items, wherein said suspension comprises impurities, preferably wherein said impurities are impurities having a neutral electric charge or having a negative electric charge.

[0275] 27. The BC suspension according to item 26, wherein said impurities comprise one or more compounds selected from the group consisting of: proteins; nitrogen; ions and salts thereof, such as calcium, sodium, potassium, magnesium and salts thereof, such as calcium chloride, calcium carbonate, calcium sulfate, sodium chloride, sodium carbonate, sodium sulfate, potassium chloride, potassium sulfate, potassium carbonate, magnesium chloride, magnesium carbonate or magnesium sulfate; and silicon and derivatives thereof, such as silica, silicates, siloxane or silicon dioxide.

[0276] 28. The BC suspension according to any one of items 26 to 27, wherein said suspension is produced according to any one of items 47 to 59, and wherein the impurities are residues from the fermentation broth.

[0277] 29. The BC suspension according to any one of the preceding items, wherein said suspension has a nitrogen content of between 0.05 and 1.2 wt%, such as between 0.1 and 1.1 wt%, such as between 0.1 and 1.2 wt%, such as between 0.1 and 1 wt%, such as between 0.2 and 1 wt%, such as between 0.2 and 0.4 wt%.

[0278] 30. The BC suspension according to any one of the preceding items, wherein said suspension has a nitrogen content of at most 1.1 wt%, such as at most 1 wt%, such as at most 0.9 wt%, such as at most 0.8 wt%. 31. The BC suspension according to any one of the preceding items, wherein said suspension has a nitrogen content of at least 0.05 wt%, such as at least 0.1 wt%, such as at least 0.15 wt%, such as at least 0.2 wt%.

[0279] 32. The BC suspension according to any one of the preceding items, wherein said suspension has a content of ions and salts thereof and / or silicon and derivatives thereof of at least 0.05 wt%, such as at least 0.1 wt%, such as at least 0.15 wt%, such as at least 0.2 wt%.

[0280] 33. The BC suspension according to any one of the preceding items, wherein said composition is: a personal care product, a cosmetic product, a pharmaceutical product, a biomedical product, or a food product, and / or an ingredient of a personal care product, a cosmetic product, a pharmaceutical product, a biomedical product, or a food product.

[0281] 34. The processed BC suspension according to any one of the preceding items, wherein said processed BC suspension does not comprise living bacteria, proteins or DNA.

[0282] 35. The processed BC suspension according to any one of the preceding items, wherein said suspension is stable.

[0283] 36. The BC suspension according to any one of the preceding items, wherein said suspension does not flocculate.

[0284] 37. The BC suspension according to any one of the preceding items, wherein said suspension does not exhibit water-cellulose separation.

[0285] 38. The BC suspension according to any one of the preceding items, wherein said suspension does not exhibit water-cellulose separation after at least 3 months of storage, such as after at least 4 months of storage, such as after at least 6 months of storage, such as wherein said suspension does not exhibit water- cellulose separation after at least 1 year of storage. 39. The BC suspension according to any one of the preceding items, wherein said suspension does not comprise and / or is not chemically modified with any additional ingredient, such as a polymeric thickener, such as for example a natural polymer, such as for example carboxymethyl cellulose and / or natural gums, such as xanthan, locus or diutan gums; and / or such as wherein said suspension is not chemically modified by oxidation, such as oxidation to COOH., or grafting to a functional group comprising sulphur; and / or wherein said suspension does not comprise and / or is not chemically modified by any stabilising agent such as a polyol.

[0286] 40. The BC suspension according to any one of the preceding items, wherein said suspension has high particle suspending properties.

[0287] 41. The BC suspension according to item 40, wherein the suspension, when adjusted to a concentration of 0.05% BC solids or less, exhibits no precipitation of particles of 2 mm in size or less after 48 h.

[0288] 42. The BC suspension according to any one of the preceding items, wherein said suspension is capable of stabilizing particles in a composition such as a composition comprising or consisting of water, such as an aqueous suspension, when said suspension has a BC solid content of at least 0.04% (w / w), such as at least 0.06% (w / w), such as at least 0.08%, such as at least 0.1% (w / w), such as at least 0.5% (w / w), such as at least 1% (w / w).

[0289] 43. The BC suspension according to item 42, wherein said particles have a size of between 0.1 mm and 5 mm in diameter, such as between 0.25 mm and 0.65 m, such as between 1 mm and 2 mm, such as between 1 mm and 1.5 mm, such as between 0.25 mm and 2 mm, such as between 0.1 mm and 4 mm, such as between 0.1 mm and 3 mm.

[0290] 44. The BC suspension according to any one of items 42 to 43, wherein the particles are selected from the group consisting of charcoal particles; jojoba beads; apricot kernel particles; inorganic minerals such as kaolin, colorant particles, TiO2, ZnO2, gelatine beads; oil droplets, oil suspensions and oil emulsions, which optionally comprise an active ingredient such as a vitamin, preferably vitamin A or vitamin E, or retinol, or wherein the active ingredient is not soluble in water but is suspendable in oil.

[0291] 45. The BC suspension according to any one of the preceding items, wherein said suspension is stable: a. at a pH between 2 and 13, such as in a composition with a pH of between 2 and 13; b. in the presence of oil, such as in a composition comprising BC suspension and oil, optionally in a composition comprising BC suspension and between 5 and 35% (w / w) oil, such as between 10 and 20% (w / w) oil, optionally wherein the oil is a polar or non-polar oil selected from the group consisting of paraffin and jojoba oil; c. in the presence of salt, such as in a composition comprising BC suspension and salt, optionally in a composition comprising BC suspension and between 5 and 25% (w / w) salt, such as between 5 and 15% (w / w) salt, optionally wherein the salt is a sodium salt or a calcium salt, preferably selected from the group consisting of sodium chloride, sodium citrate, sodium dihydrogen phosphate and sodium dihydrogen phosphate; d. in the presence of surfactant, such as in a composition comprising BC suspension and surfactant, optionally in a composition comprising BC suspension and between 5 and 25% (w / w) surfactant, such as between 5 and 15% (w / w) surfactant, optionally wherein the surfactant is a cationic, anionic or zwitter-ionic surfactant, such as selected from the group consisting of cocoamidpropyl betaine (CAPB), sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), sodium laureth sulfate (SLS), lauryl glucoside and surfactants comprising quaternary ammonium cation (QLIAT); and / or e. in the presence of ethanol, such as in a composition comprising BC suspension and ethanol, optionally in a composition comprising BC suspension and between 5 and 70% (v / v) ethanol, such as between 20 and 60% (w / w) ethanol.

[0292] 46. The BC suspension according to any one of the preceding items, wherein; a. the viscosity of the BC suspension is maintained, such as wherein at least 60%, such as at least 75% of the viscosity is maintained; b. there is no coagulation of the BC suspension; c. there is no flocculation of the BC suspension; d. there is no clumping of the BC suspension; and / or e. there is no phase separation BC suspension; i. at a pH between 2 and 13, such as in a composition with a pH of between 2 and 13; ii. in the presence of oil, such as in a composition comprising BC suspension and oil, optionally in a composition comprising BC suspension and between 5 and 35% (w / w) oil, such as between 10 and 20% (w / w) oil, optionally wherein the oil is a polar or nonpolar oil selected from the group consisting of paraffin and jojoba oil; iii. in the presence of salt, such as in a composition comprising BC suspension and salt, optionally in a composition comprising BC suspension and between 5 and 25% (w / w) salt, such as between 5 and 15% (w / w) salt, optionally wherein the salt is a sodium salt or a calcium salt, preferably selected from the group consisting of sodium chloride, sodium citrate, sodium dihydrogen phosphate and sodium dihydrogen phosphate; iv. in the presence surfactant, such as in a composition comprising BC suspension and surfactant, optionally in a composition comprising BC suspension and between 5 and 25% (w / w) surfactant, such as between 5 and 15% (w / w) surfactant, optionally wherein the surfactant is a cationic, anionic or zwitterionic surfactant, such as selected from the group consisting of cocoamidpropyl betaine (CAPB), sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) , sodium laureth sulfate (SLS), lauryl glucoside and surfactants comprising quaternary ammonium cation (QLIAT); and / or v. in the presence of ethanol, such as in a composition comprising BC suspension and ethanol, optionally in a composition comprising BC suspension and between 5 and 70% (v / v) ethanol, such as between 20 and 60% (w / w) ethanol. A method of producing a BC suspension, said method comprising the steps of: a. incubating a cellulose-producing bacteria in a culture medium, thereby obtaining BC and a fermentation broth, thereby obtaining a broth comprising a BC suspension; b. processing said BC suspension; and c. recovering said BC suspension; wherein said BC suspension is as defined in any one of items 1 to 46. A method of producing a processed BC suspension comprising acetan, said method comprising the steps of: a. incubating a cellulose-producing bacteria in a culture medium, wherein the cellulose-producing bacteria produces BC comprising acetan thereby obtaining a fermentation broth comprising BC; b. processing said fermentation broth comprising BC to obtain a processed fermentation broth comprising a processed BC suspension; and c. recovering said processed BC suspension comprising acetan from said processed fermentation broth, thereby obtaining said processed BC suspension comprising acetan, wherein said processed BC suspension comprising acetan is as defined in any one of items 1 to 46, further wherein the ratio of acetan and BC (acetan:BC ratio) in said BC suspension comprising acetan is as defined in item 2. The method according to any one of items 47 to 48, wherein the cellulose- producing bacteria is of a genus selected from the group consisting of Acetobacter, Kozakia, Gluconacetobacter, Komagataeibacter and Gluconobacter. The method according to any one of items 47 to 49, wherein the cellulose- producing bacteria is of a species selected from the group consisting of Acetobacter xylinus, Acetobacter xylinum, Acetobacter hansenii, Acetobacter pasteurianus, Acetobacter estunensis, Gluconacetobacter xylinus, Gluconacetobacter diazotrophicus, Kozakia balensiensis, Gluconobacter oxydans, Komagataeibacter rhaeticus, Komagataeibacter medellinensis, Komagataeibacter hansenii, Komagataeibacter sucrofermentans and Komagataeibacter xylinus, preferably wherein the cellulose-producing bacteria is Komagataeibacter xylinus. The method according to any one of items 47 to 50, wherein the incubation of step a) takes place in an agitated reactor, such as in a stirred tank reactor. The method according to any one of items 47 to 51 , wherein the incubation of step a) is between one and six days, such as between two and five days. The method according to any one of items 47 to 52, wherein step b. does not comprise a step of wet comminution. The method according to any one of items 47 to 53, wherein the processing of step b. comprises: i. pre-washing the recovered BC with water; ii. treating the BC with a mild alkali, preferably with sodium hydroxide; iii. treating the BC with acid; iv. washing the BC, preferably with water; and / or v. filtrating the BC. The method according to item 54, wherein the mild alkali is sodium hydroxide, and wherein the concentration of sodium hydroxide used in step ii. is at most 10 g / L, such as at most 9 g / L, such as at most 8 g / L, such as at most 7 g / L, such as at most 6 g / L, such as at most 5 g / L, such as at most 4 g / L, such as at most 3 g / L, such as at most 2 g / L, such as at most 1 g / L. The method according to any one of items 54 to 55, wherein the treatment of step iii. comprises treating the BC until it has a pH of between 2 and 8, such as a pH of between 6 and 7, such as a pH between 4 and 7, such as a pH of between 2 and 4, such as a pH of between 2.5 and 3.5, such as a pH of 3. The method according to any one of items 54 to 56, wherein the filtration of step v. comprises use of a 70 nm filter, optionally wherein step v. comprises dynamic cross-flow filtration with a 70 nm filter. 58. The method according to any one of items 47 to 57, wherein the culture medium is Hestrin-Schramm (HS) medium.

[0293] 59. The method according to any one of items 47 to 53, wherein the method does not comprise addition of any additional ingredient and / or chemical modification of said suspension by any additional ingredient, wherein the additional ingredient preferably is a polymeric thickener, such as for example a natural polymer, such as for example carboxymethyl cellulose and / or natural gums, such as xanthan, locus or diutan gums; and / or such as wherein said suspension is not chemically modified by oxidation, such as oxidation to COOH., or grafting to a functional group comprising sulphur; and / or wherein said suspension does not comprise and / or is not chemically modified by any stabilising agent such as a polyol.

[0294] 60. The method according to any one of the preceding items, wherein step b. does not significantly remove and / or degrade acetan from said BC and / or processed BC suspension comprising acetan.

[0295] 61. The method according to any one of the preceding items, wherein step b. does not comprise: bleaching, such as treatment of said fermentation broth comprising BC and / or said processed fermentation broth with a bleaching agent, for example H2O2 and / or NaCICh / NaCIO and / or NaOH; crude filtration, such as crude centrifugation and / or crude filtration, for example filtration with >1 pm filters, optionally combined with washing; and / or

[0296] - strong alkali treatment, such as treating said fermentation broth comprising BC and / or said processed fermentation broth with a strong alkali, for example sodium hydroxide at concentrations higher than 0.5 to 2 M, such as 0.5 to 1 M, optionally wherein the strong alkali treatment is repeated more than once; and / or repeated alkali treatment, such as treating said fermentation broth comprising BC and / or said processed fermentation broth with an alkali more than once, for example sodium hydroxide at concentrations lower than 0.5 M. The method according to any one of the preceding items, wherein said method does not comprise a step of adding and / or mixing said fermentation broth comprising BC, processed fermentation broth comprising BC and / or processed BC suspension comprising acetan with any additional synthetic and / or anionic polymer, such as pectin, carboxymethyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose, xanthan gum, alginates, gellan gum, diutan gum, welan gum, rhamsan gum, carrageenan, guar gum, agar, gum arabic, gum ghatti, karaya gum, gum tragacanth, tamarind gum, or locust bean gum. The method according to any one of the preceding items, wherein the processing of step b. comprises: pre-washing the fermentation broth comprising BC, preferably with water, thereby obtaining said processed fermentation broth comprising the processed BC suspension and / or said processed BC suspension comprising acetan; treating the fermentation broth comprising BC or the processed fermentation broth comprising the processed BC suspension with an alkali, preferably sodium hydroxide, preferably at a concentration lower than 0.5 M, once, thereby obtaining said processed fermentation broth comprising a BC suspension and / or said processed BC suspension comprising acetan; treating the fermentation broth comprising BC or the processed fermentation broth comprising the processed BC suspension with acid, thereby obtaining said processed fermentation broth comprising the BC and / or said processed BC suspension comprising acetan; washing the fermentation broth comprising BC or the processed fermentation broth comprising the processed BC suspension, preferably with water, thereby obtaining said processed fermentation broth comprising the processed BC and / or said BC suspension comprising acetan; and / or filtrating the fermentation broth comprising BC or the processed fermentation broth, and / or precipitating the fermentation broth comprising BC or the processed fermentation broth, with a solvent and / or an alcohol such as ethanol, thereby obtaining said processed BC suspension comprising acetan. The method according to item 63, wherein the steps of filtrating and / or precipitating are performed as: washing and filtrating said fermentation broth comprising BC or the processed fermentation broth; and / or washing and precipitating the fermentation broth comprising BC or the processed fermentation broth with a solvent, thereby obtaining said processed BC suspension comprising acetan. A composition comprising the BC suspension or the processed BC suspension according to any one of items 1 to 46. The composition according to item 65, wherein the concentration of BC solids in said composition is between 0.01% and 2.5% (w / w), such as between 0.01% and 2% (w / w), such as between 0.02% and 1.5% (w / w), such as between 0.02% and 1.2% (w / w), such as between 0.02 and 1% (w / w), such as between 0.03% and 1.2% (w / w), such as between 0.03% and 1% (w / w), such as between 0.1% and 1.5% (w / w), such as between 0.1% and 1% (w / w), such as between 0.4% and 1.2% (w / w), such as between 0.05% and 0.5% (w / w), such as between 0.2% and 1.2% (w / w) of BC solids. The composition according to any one of items 65 to 66, wherein said composition further comprises one or more ingredients selected from the group consisting of proteins, vitamins, peptides, beads, salts, oils, particles, humectants, pH adjusters, pH buffers, preservatives, silicones, antioxidants, disinfectants, antimicrobials, emollients, chelating agents, colorants, fragrances, solvents and surfactants. The composition according to item 67, wherein: a. the surfactant is one or more surfactant selected from the group consisting of anionic surfactant, cationic surfactant and zwitter-ionic surfactant; b. the particle is one or more particle selected from the group consisting of charcoal particles, apricot kernel particles and jojoba beads; and / or c. the oil is one or more oil selected form the group consisting of paraffin and jojoba oil. The composition according to any one of items 65 to 68, wherein said composition is stable. The composition according to any one of items 65 to 69, wherein said composition does not flocculate, coagulate and / or does not exhibit water- cellulose separation. The composition to any one of items 65 to 70, wherein there is no water- cellulose separation of said composition after at least 3 months of storage, such as after at least 4 months of storage, such as after at least 6 months of storage, such as wherein there is no phase separation of said composition after at least

[0297] 1 year of storage. The composition according to any one items 65 to 71, wherein said composition does not comprise any additional thickener, stabilizer and / or rheology modifier, optionally wherein said composition does not comprise any additional polymeric thickener, such as for example a natural polymer, such as for example carboxymethyl cellulose and / or natural gums. A product comprising the BC suspension according to any one of items 1 to 46, or the composition according to any one of items 65 to 72. The product according to item 73, wherein said product is selected from the group consisting of personal care products, cosmetic products, pharmaceutical products, biomedical products and food products. The product according to any one of items 73 to 74, wherein the cosmetic product is selected from the group consisting of lipstick, mascara, foundation, highlighter, primer, concealer and nail polish. The product according to any one of items 73 to 75, wherein the personal care product is selected from the group consisting of cream, lotion, gel, oil, foam, balm, pomade, moisturizer, serum, soap, detergent and scrub, for example wherein the product is facial cleanser, toothpaste, sunscreen, sunblock, shampoo, hair conditioner, hair oil, body lotion, body wash, shower gel, lip balm, shaving cream, shaving gel, deodorant, hand soap, eye cream, eye serum, face cream, anti-wrinkle cream and hand cream.

[0298] 77. Use of the BC suspension according to any one of items 1 to 46 as a thickener, stabilizer, emulsifier and / or rheology modifier.

[0299] 78. Use of the BC suspension according to any one of items 1 to 46 as a filmforming agent, an SPF-boosting agent and / or an anti-wrinkle agent, or to stabilize a microfibrillated cellulose (MFC) suspension, or to reduce or prevent cellulose-water separation of a MFC suspension.

[0300] 79. Use of the BC suspension according to any one of items 1 to 46in a method for preparing a composition as defined in any one of items 65 to 72 or a product as defined in any one of items 73 to 76.

[0301] 80. A microfibrillated cellulose (MFC) suspension comprising BC and acetan, preferably wherein: a. the ratio of said acetan and BC is as defined in item 2; b. said BC is as defined in any one of the preceding items; and / or c. said acetan is as defined in any one of the preceding items.

[0302] 81. A bacterial cellulose (BC) powder, comprising: a. BC; b. acetan; wherein the ratio of acetan and BC (acetan: BC ratio) is as defined in item 2.

[0303] 82. A method of producing a BC powder, comprising: a. providing a processed BC suspension, said processed BC suspension comprising acetan, preferably wherein said processed BC suspension is as defined in any one of the preceding items; and b. drying said processed BC suspension; thereby obtaining said BC powder, preferably wherein said BC powder is as defined in any one of the preceding items.

[0304] 83. A BC suspension comprising the BC powder according to any one of the preceding items redispersed, such as resuspended, in an aqueous solution.

[0305] 84. A method for preparing a BC suspension, said method comprising mixing the BC powder of any one of the preceding items with an aqueous solution, thereby obtaining a BC suspension comprising acetan.

[0306] 85. Use of the BC powder according to any one of the preceding items, of the composition according to any one of the preceding items, or of the BC suspension according to any one of the preceding items as a cosmetic product, a personal care product, a packaging product, a coating material, a strengthener, a film-forming agent, a thickener or a rheology-modifier, a stabiliser, a stabilizer, an emulsifier, a co-emulsifier, a sensorial enhancer, an SPF-boosting agent, an anti-wrinkle agent, and / or as a reinforcer material.

[0307] 86. A composition comprising: a. the processed BC suspension according to any one of the preceding items; b. the BC powder according to any one of the preceding items; or c. the BC suspension according to any one of the preceding items.

[0308] 87. A composition comprising: a. the BC powder according to any one of the preceding items; a. water; and b. a quaternary ammonium compound (QUAT), such as a polyquat; optionally wherein the concentration of BC powder is between 0.05 and 3 wt.%, for example between 0.1 and 1 wt.%, further optionally wherein the concentration of QUAT is between 2 and 20 wt.%, such as between 5 and 15 wt.%.

[0309] 88. A composition comprising: a. 0.01 to 3 wt.% of resuspended BC powder, wherein the BC powder is the BC powder according to any one of the preceding items; b. 60 to 90 wt.% water; c. 1 to 10 wt.% glycerine; and d. 5 to 20 wt.% surfactant; optionally wherein the composition further comprises preservative and / or buffer.

[0310] 89. A product comprising: a. the processed BC suspension according to any one of the preceding items; b. the BC powder according to any one of the preceding items; or c. the BC suspension according to any one of the preceding items; or d. the composition according to any one of the preceding items.

[0311] Examples

[0312] Example 1 - Method for preparing BC suspension

[0313] To produce bacterial cellulose using a single isolate of Komagataeibacter xylinus (also known as Gluconobacter xylinus - these two names are used interchangeably herein), using agitated reactor, and method for purifying it.

[0314] Material and methods

[0315] BC was synthesized in an agitated reactor using bacterial-cellulose producing bacteria, Komagataeibacter xylinus which was isolated by Cellugy from a commercial symbiotic culture.

[0316] 1. 10 mL of culture (inoculum) was mixed with 90 mL of HS (Hestrin & Schramm) medium with using sucrose as carbon source.

[0317] • 1 L HS medium contained 5 g peptone, 5 g yeast extract, 1.15 g citrate, and

[0318] 2.7 g disodium phosphate. The carbon sources used (per 1 I) were 20-50 g / L sucrose. All medium chemicals were supplied by Sigma Aldrich).

[0319] • The inoculum amount is 10% if we use different volume for the fermentation. 2. The culture was inoculated in HS medium in a standard agitated reactor for 72- 120 H at room temperature (RT) (22 ± 1° C) with air flow rate of 0.2 vvm and agitator speed of 200-400 rpm. Sample for cellulose dry weigh evolution is taken every 24 H. The fermentation is stopped when there is no further increase in cellulose concentration.

[0320] 3. The BC was produced as finely dispersed cellulose cluster in the medium with cellulose content at range of 10-20 g / L dry weight.

[0321] 4. The cellulose containing fermentation broth was then treated differently to see its performance in viscosity building and particle stabilization. a. Raw broth (used as is) b. Water-washed broth (washed with distilled water until conductivity of 100-1000 pS ). c. Purified BC broth: the raw broth is washed with water for 1-5 times. Then treated with 0.1-0.25 M NaOH for 60 min at 60 C, and with 0.25 M HCI for 60 min to neutralize the alkaline wash. Afterwards, it was washed thoroughly with distilled water. All the wash is performed in dynamic cross flow filtration where we used 70 nm cutoff membrane.

[0322] Determination of crystallinity

[0323] The crystallinity index (Cl) or crystallinity % was determined with Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) according to the method disclosed by O'Connor et al. (1958). The crystallinity index (Cl) was determined by calculating the peak ratio at 1430 and 898 cm-1.

[0324] Determination if viscosity of raw (untreated broth)

[0325] Using Anton Paar viscosimeter with following settings: RVT, 6 rpm, 1 min, 20 °C, using spindle L3.

[0326] Determination of viscosity using rheometer of raw, water-washed and purified BC broth The viscosity measurements were carried out at 25 °C under rotational movement measuring the viscosity at shear rates between 0.1-10 s-1using a Discovery HR-20 Rheometer (TA Instruments). The geometry used was a 40mm plate with the gap set to 1000 pm. The viscosity values presented are derived at a shear rate of 1 s’1.

[0327] Determination of particle stabilization A total of 40 mg Jojoba beads (0.250-0.650 mm) were mixed into 10 mL of different concentrations of raw broth, water-washed BC broth and purified broth.

[0328] Determination of cellulose content using Anthrone method

[0329] Briefly, it involves degradation of cellulose to sucrose using H2SO4 and measurement its absorbance at 620 nm using Anthrone in H2SO4.

[0330] Results

[0331] Fermentation broth: cellulose containing fermentation was produced with viscosity of 1500±100 mPas (Anton Paar) with cellulose content of 15±2 g / L dry weight.

[0332] Table 1. Performance of different treated BC suspension. For crystallinity and viscosity, mean values are shown first, and thereafter the range of values obtained in parenthesis.

[0333] Conclusion

[0334] Based on the viscosity and particle stabilization data, it was shown that purified BC has the best performance where it shows the highest viscosity and the lowest dosage to stabilize particle. Thus purified BC suspension was used for the subsequent experiments and examples in this document. Example 2 - Unique characteristics of stable BC suspension

[0335] Objective

[0336] To demonstrate unique properties of the stable BC suspension.

[0337] Materials and Methods

[0338] Production and purification of stable BC

[0339] BC broth was produced in a 300 L fermenter with a final yield of 0.5 wt.%. The broth was washed with water using dynamic cross-flow filtration (DCF) and a 70 nm filter. The treated BC broth was then subjected to 0.25 M NaOH at 60°C and washed again. The final suspension is denoted as “stable BC”.

[0340] Zeta potential

[0341] The BC suspension was diluted to 0.07 wt.%. The measurements were carried out in a Malvern Zetasizer Nano ZSP. Multiple measurements were conducted at a temperature of 25°C and pH 6.

[0342] Nitrogen content

[0343] Nitrogen content was calculated using CH NO elemental analysis. Approximately 20 mg of the dry cellulose sample was weighed into a tin capsule and loaded into the autosampler of the analyzer. The CHNO analyzer was operated in duplicate mode.

[0344] Size distribution

[0345] Size distribution of clusters of BC fibers were estimated by fractionation. A filter size of 70 nm resulted in retention of 100% of the fibers. A filter size of 1 .1 pm resulted in retention of approximately 60-80% of the fibers.

[0346] Water holding capacity

[0347] The stable BC suspension (20 mL of 0.5% BC in deionized water) was centrifuged at 4500 x G for 20 minutes. The supernatant was carefully removed and weighed. The water holding capacity was calculated based on how much water the cellulose pellet absorbed using the following formula where W is weight.

[0348] (Wtotal VVsupernatant VVdrypellett) / VVdrypellett

[0349] Viscosity

[0350] See viscosity determination in Example 1. Results

[0351] Table 2. Characteristics of stable BC suspension.

[0352] Conclusion:

[0353] The BC suspension possesses a unique combination of physiochemical properties.

[0354] Example 3 - BC capability of stabilizing solids in water

[0355] Objective

[0356] To distinguish the stable BC suspension, in terms of concentration of cellulose needed for stabilization of jojoba beads.

[0357] Materials and Methods

[0358] Production and purification of stable BC

[0359] BC broth was produced in a 300 L fermenter with a final yield of 0.5 wt.%. The broth was washed with water using dynamic cross-flow filtration (DCF) and a 70 nm filter. The treated BC broth was then subjected to 0.25 M NaOH at 60 °C and washed again. The final suspension is denoted as “stable BC”.

[0360] Fractionation of BC to make unstable BC

[0361] The stable BC suspension was filtrated on a DCF unit containing a 1.1 pm filter. The filtrate containing the smaller fiber fraction (70 nm - 1 .1 pm) was discarded, whereas the retained fibers (sizes >1.1 pm) were saved as “unstable BC”.

[0362] Stabilization of jojoba beads A total of 40 mg Jojoba beads (0.250-0.650 mm) were mixed into 10 mL of 0.04 wt.% of either stable BC, unstable BC, or MFC.

[0363] Results

[0364] Table 3. Stabilization of jojoba beads using stable BC, unstable BC, and plant MFC.

[0365] Conclusion

[0366] The stable BC suspension has superior solids stabilizing properties.

[0367] Example 4 - BC capability of thickening aqueous suspension

[0368] Objective

[0369] To distinguish the stable BC suspension, in terms of viscosity i.e., thickening efficiency.

[0370] Materials and Methods

[0371] Production and purification of stable BC

[0372] BC broth was produced in a 300 L fermenter with a final yield of 0.5 wt.%. The broth was washed with water using dynamic cross-flow filtration (DCF) and a 70 nm filter. The treated BC broth was then subjected to 0.25 M NaOH at 60 °C and washed again. The final suspension is denoted as “stable BC”.

[0373] Fractionation of BC to make unstable BC

[0374] The stable BC suspension was filtrated on a DCF unit containing a 1.1 pm filter. The filtrate containing the smaller fiber fraction (70 nm - 1.1 pm) was discarded, whereas the retained fibers (sizes >1.1 pm) were saved as “unstable BC”.

[0375] Viscosity The viscosity measurements were carried out at 25 °C under rotational movement measuring the viscosity at shear rates between 0.1-100 s-1using a Discovery HR-20 Rheometer (TA Instruments). The geometry used was a 40 mm plate with the gap set to 1000 pm. The viscosity values presented are derived at a shear rate of 1 s’1.

[0376] Results

[0377] Table 4. Viscosity of stable BC, unstable BC, and plant MFC.

[0378] Conclusion

[0379] The stable BC suspension has higher bulk viscosity / thickening efficiency and does not separate from water.

[0380] Example 5 - BC stability and viscosity at different pH

[0381] Objective

[0382] To demonstrate pH stability of the BC suspension.

[0383] Materials and Methods

[0384] Production and purification of stable BC

[0385] BC broth was produced in a 300 L fermenter with a final yield of 0.5 wt.%. The broth was washed with water using dynamic cross-flow filtration (DCF) and a 70 nm filter. The treated BC broth was then subjected to 0.25 M NaOH at 60 °C and washed again.

[0386] Modification of pH The pH of the BC suspension was modified by drop-wise addition of either 10M HCI or 10M NaOH.

[0387] Viscosity

[0388] See viscosity determination in Example 4.

[0389] Results

[0390] Table 5. Viscosity and visual appearance of BC suspension at different pH.

[0391] Conclusion

[0392] The BC suspension is stable at extreme pH and retains a high viscosity.

[0393] Example 6 - BC stability and viscosity with different surfactants

[0394] Objective

[0395] To demonstrate surfactant stability of the BC suspension.

[0396] Materials and Methods

[0397] Production and purification of stable BC

[0398] BC broth was produced in a 300 L fermenter with a final yield of 0.5 wt.%. The broth was washed with water using dynamic cross-flow filtration (DCF) and a 70 nm filter. The treated BC broth was then subjected to 0.25 M NaOH at 60 °C and washed again.

[0399] Addition of surfactants

[0400] Each surfactant was added to a final concentration of 10 wt.% in a suspension containing 1 wt.% BC.

[0401] Viscosity

[0402] See viscosity determination in Example 4. Results

[0403] Table 6. Viscosity and visual appearance of BC suspension with 10 wt.% surfactants added.

[0404] Conclusion

[0405] The BC suspension is stable with a wide range of surfactants and retains a high viscosity.

[0406] Example 7 - BC stability and viscosity with different salts

[0407] Objective

[0408] To demonstrate salt stability of the BC suspension.

[0409] Materials and Methods

[0410] Production and purification of stable BC

[0411] BC broth was produced in a 300 L fermenter with a final yield of 0.5 wt.%. The broth was washed with water using dynamic cross-flow filtration (DCF) and a 70 nm filter. The treated BC broth was then subjected to 0.25 M NaOH at 60 °C and washed again.

[0412] Addition of salts

[0413] Each salt was added and solubilized to a final concentration of 10 wt.% in a suspension containing 1 wt.% BC.

[0414] Viscosity

[0415] See viscosity determination in Example 1. Results

[0416] Table 7. Viscosity and visual appearance of BC suspension with 10 wt.% salts added.

[0417] Conclusion

[0418] The BC suspension is stable with different salts and retains a high viscosity.

[0419] Example 8 - BC stability and viscosity with different oils

[0420] Objective

[0421] To demonstrate oil stability of the BC suspension.

[0422] Materials and Methods

[0423] Production and purification of stable BC

[0424] BC broth was produced in a 300 L fermenter with a final yield of 0.5 wt.%. The broth was washed with water using dynamic cross-flow filtration (DCF) and a 70 nm filter. The treated BC broth was then subjected to 0.25 M NaOH at 60 °C and washed again.

[0425] Addition of oils

[0426] Each oil was added to a final concentration of 10% (v / v) in a suspension containing 1 wt.% BC. The oil and BC suspension was mixed with Ultra-Turrax for 1 minute to create an emulsion.

[0427] Results

[0428] Table 8. Visual appearance of BC suspension with 10 wt.% oils added.

[0429] Conclusion

[0430] The BC suspension works as an emulsifier and is stable with different oils.

[0431] Example 9 - BC stability and viscosity at different temperatures

[0432] Objective

[0433] To demonstrate temperature stability of the BC suspension.

[0434] Materials and Methods

[0435] Production and purification of stable BC

[0436] BC broth was produced in a 300 L fermenter with a final yield of 0.5 wt.%. The broth was washed with water using dynamic cross-flow filtration (DCF) and a 70 nm filter. The treated BC broth was then subjected to 0.25 M NaOH at 60 °C and washed again.

[0437] Temperature test

[0438] A 1% BC suspension was left in a oven for 2 months and viscosity was measured before and after.

[0439] Viscosity

[0440] See viscosity determination in Example 1.

[0441] Results

[0442] Table 9. Viscosity of BC suspension after incubation at 60°C for 2 months.

[0443] Conclusion

[0444] The BC suspension retains a high viscosity after prolonged heating. Example 10 - BC stability in ethanol

[0445] Objective

[0446] To demonstrate alcohol stability of the BC suspension.

[0447] Materials and Methods

[0448] Production and purification of “stable BC”

[0449] BC broth was produced in a 300 L fermenter with a final yield of 0.5 wt.%. The broth was washed with water using dynamic cross-flow filtration (DCF) and a 70 nm filter. The treated BC broth was then subjected to 0.25 M NaOH at 60C and washed again.

[0450] Ethanol stability test

[0451] A suspension containing 0.5 wt.% BC and 50% (v / v) ethanol was prepared and left for 24 hours and compared to a suspension containing 0.5 wt.% BC in water.

[0452] Results

[0453] Table 10. Visual appearance of BC suspension after addition of ethanol.

[0454] Conclusion

[0455] The BC does not separate from ethanol over time demonstrating stability.

[0456] Example 11 - Method of preparing BC-containing formulation where BC works as sole thickener and stabilizer in surfactant system

[0457] Objective

[0458] To demonstrate application of the BC suspension as sole thickener in a personal care product.

[0459] Materials and Methods

[0460] 1. Add water and BC to a suitable vessel. Homogenize at 10 000 rpm until homogenous, for at least 3 minutes.

[0461] 2. Add glycerin (final concentration 5%) and stir until uniform. 3. Add Sodium phytate (final concentration 0.1%) and stir.

[0462] 4. Add Sodium cocoyl glutamate (final concentration 1%) and gently stir, avoiding foam production.

[0463] 5. Add Decyl glucoside (final concentration 5%) and gently stir, avoiding foam production.

[0464] 6. Add euxyl PE 9010 (final concentration 0.65%) and gently stir, avoiding foam production.

[0465] 7. If necessary, adjust pH to 5.5 - 6.5 using 50% citric acid or 1M sodium hydroxide.

[0466] Results

[0467] Table 11. Dosage of BC required for functional formulations in surfactant system.

[0468] Conclusion

[0469] The BC suspension can be used as sole thickener and solids stabilizer in a complex formula / personal care product.

[0470] Example 12 - Method of preparing BC-containing formulation where BC works as contributory thickener and stabilizer in surfactant system

[0471] Objective

[0472] To demonstrate application of the BC suspension as contributory thickener and stabilizer in personal care product.

[0473] Materials and Methods

[0474] Table 12. Ingredients list for Example 12.

[0475] Results

[0476] Table 13. Dosage of BC compared to Carbomer required for functional formulations in surfactant system.

[0477] Conclusion

[0478] The BC suspension can be used as a contributory thickener and solids stabilizer in a complex formula / personal care product. Example 13 - Method of preparing BC-containing formulation where BC works as sole thickener in an emulsion system Objective

[0479] To demonstrate application of the BC suspension as sole thickener in an emulsion system.

[0480] Materials and Methods

[0481] Table 14. Ingredients list for Example 13.

[0482] Preparation of the Phases:

[0483] • Phase A: Ingredients 1 - 8 are molten at approx. 80 °C.

[0484] • Phase B: Ingredient 10 and ingredient 11 are dissolved in ingredient 9 with stirring. The aqueous phase is heated to 80 °C.

[0485] • Phase C: Ingredient 12 (BC) is stirred at room temperature with an UltraTurrax (10 000 rpm) for 15 min.

[0486] • Phase D: Ingredient 13 is provided separately.

[0487] Emulsifying Process 1. Phase C is added to the hot aqueous phase B with stirring. The combined aqueous phase is heated to 80 °C. 2. Hot fatty phase A is added to hot aqueous phase B + C with stirring (UltraTurrax).

[0488] 3. The emulsion is cooled to 40 °C with stirring.

[0489] 4. Phase D is added with stirring at approx. 40 °C.

[0490] 5. The emulsion is cooled to 25 °C with stirring.

[0491] 6. Finally, the emulsion is degassed under vacuum.

[0492] Results

[0493] Table 14. Comparison of thickening efficiency of BC, xanthan gum, and carbomer in emulsion system.

[0494] Conclusion

[0495] BC suspension can be used as a sole thickener in a complex formula / personal care product, with a thickening efficiency on par with carbomer and higher than xanthan gum.

[0496] Example 14 - Method in preparing BC-containing formulation where BC works as sole thickener and film forming material in emulsion system

[0497] Objective

[0498] To demonstrate application of the BC suspension as sole thickener and film forming material in an emulsion system. In the example BC is used as anti-wrinkle ingredient.

[0499] Materials and Methods

[0500] Table 16. Ingredient list for Example 14.

[0501] The ingredients were mixed as same manner as in Example 13.

[0502] Results

[0503] After 28 (t3) consecutive days of products’ twice daily application it was observed:

[0504] • A statistically significant (p<0.10) mean decrease of 10.55 pm in the wrinkles’ depth for the Emulsion with BC, having decreased up to 45.45% for 63.64% of the subjects.

[0505] • An increase of 1.55 pm in the wrinkles’ depth for the Emulsion placebo, with no statistical significance (p>0.10).

[0506] These results demonstrate that the investigational product was effective in decreasing the wrinkles’ depth, in comparison to the baseline, after 28 consecutive days of a twice daily application.

[0507] Comparing both products, statistically significant (p<0.10) differences were observed, meaning that the Emulsion with BC was effective in decreasing the wrinkles’ depth, when compared to the Emulsion placebo, after 28 (t3) consecutive days of products’ twice daily application.

[0508] Conclusion

[0509] BC in simple cream has anti-wrinkle effect primarily due its film forming ability. Example 15 - Method in preparing BC-containing formulation where BC works as SPF booster

[0510] Objective To demonstrate application of the BC suspension as SPF booster in sunscreen formulation.

[0511] Materials and Methods

[0512] BC was used at a concentration of 0.5 wt.%. The Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of BC was assessed according to the International Standard ISO 24444:2019.

[0513] Table 17. Ingredients list for Example 15.

[0514] Preparation of the Phases

[0515] • Phase A: Pos. 1 - 11 are molten at approx. 85 °C. Crystalline UV filters (pos. 1 , 4 and 5) are completely dissolved.

[0516] • Phase B: 995 / 002 / 001 : Pos. 14 is dispersed homogeneously in pos. 12 with stirring (Dissolver) at room temperature. Afterwards pos. 15 and 16 are dissolved with stirring. 995 / 002 / 002: Pos. 13 (BC) is dispersed in pos. 12 with high shear (UltraTurrax, approx.20 min, acc. to instructions submitted by Cellugy) at room temperature. Afterwards, processing is continued as for no. 995 / 002 / 001. The aqueous phase is heated to 80 °C.

[0517] Emulsifying Process

[0518] 1. The hot aqueous phase B is added to the hot fatty phase A portion by portion with stirring.

[0519] 2. (Dissolver).

[0520] 3. The emulsion is cooled to 25 °C with stirring.

[0521] 4. Finally, the emulsion is degassed under vacuum.

[0522] Results

[0523] Table 18. Results of SPF value for cream without and with BC-Cellugy.

[0524] Conclusion

[0525] An increase in SPF of 10.7 -12.5 % is observed with 0.5 wt.% cellulose is the sunscreen formula. The BC suspension can be formulated and has SPF boosting effect in sunscreen formula.

[0526] Example 16 - Protein and DNA in stable BC

[0527] Objective

[0528] To determine the protein and DNA content in stable BC. Materials and Methods

[0529] Production and purification of stable BC

[0530] BC broth was produced in a 300 L fermenter with a final yield of 0.5 wt.%. The broth was washed with water using dynamic cross-flow filtration (DCF) and a 70 nm filter. The treated BC broth was then subjected to 0.25 M NaOH at 60 °C and washed again. The final suspension is denoted as “stable BC”.

[0531] Protein and DNA determination

[0532] The protein and DNA content in 0.1% stable BC was estimated based on measurement of absorbance at 280 and 260 nm using a spectrophotometer. For quantification of protein, the integral of the peak at 280 nm was calculated. Bovine serum albumin (BSA) was used to make a standard curve where the integral at 280 nm was plotted against the protein concentration.

[0533] Results

[0534] Table 19 contains data derived from UV-vis spectra (Fig. 8).

[0535] Table 19. Results from DNA and protein determination in stable BC sample

[0536] Conclusions

[0537] The protein content of stable BC suspension was low (3.6% of dry weight) and indicates that the proteins are residues remaining from the broth medium. No DNA was detected in stable BC suspension.

[0538] Example 17- Acetan and acetan-like polysaccharides in stable BC

[0539] Objective

[0540] To determine the acetan content in stable BC suspension.

[0541] Materials and Methods

[0542] Production and purification of stable BC BC broth was produced in a 300 L fermenter with a final yield of 0.5 wt.%. The broth was washed with water using dynamic cross-flow filtration (DCF) and a 70 nm filter. The treated BC broth was then subjected to 0.25 M NaOH at 60 °C and washed again. The final suspension is denoted as “stable BC”.

[0543] Monosaccharide analysis

[0544] Stable 0.9% BC suspension was treated with 15% trifluoracetic at 105 °C for 1 hour to selectively degrade non-cellulosic polysaccharides in the sample. The sample was then centrifuged at 4500 rpm for 10 minutes to separate the insoluble cellulose fraction. The supernatant containing the hydrolysed material in form of monosaccharides was analysed using HPIC (Dionex ICS-6000 system). Following sugars were used as standards: D-glucose, D-mannose, D-galactose, D-xylose, L-arabinose, L-rhamnose, L-fucose, D-galacturonic acid, and D-glucuronic acid.

[0545] Quantification of Acetan

[0546] Stable 0.9% BC suspensions (samples) were treated with 15% trifluoracetic acid (TFA) at 105 °C for 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4, 4.5, or 5 hours to selectively degrade acetan in the sample. The samples were subsequently centrifuged at 4500 rpm for 10 minutes to separate the insoluble cellulose fraction. The dry weight concentration of the supernatant was determined and the total fraction-% of hydrolysed material was calculated.

[0547] Results

[0548] The HPLC results (Fig. 9) show that the stable BC suspension contains acetan, i.e. a monosaccharide composition comprising rhamnose (Rha), glucose (Glc), mannose (Man), and glucuronic acid (GlcA).

[0549] The acetan was further fully hydrolyzed into soluble monosaccharides (Fig. 10) and separated from cellulose. Once acetan was degraded the BC was no longer stable and could be separated by centrifugation.

[0550] Table 20 shows the acetan content in 5 different batches of stable BC suspension obtained as described above.

[0551] Table 20. Ratio of BC and acetan in stable BC suspension (different batches).

[0552] Conclusions

[0553] The characterisation of 5 stable BC suspensions shows that they contained in a BC:acetan ratio of 1:2.1 , 1 :2.8, 1:1.1 , 1:1.6, or 1:4.6, respectively. When acetan was degraded, the BC suspension became unstable (data not shown).

[0554] Example 18 - Effect of BC:acetan ratio on BC suspension stability

[0555] Objective

[0556] To estimate how much acetan is needed for a BC suspension to be stable.

[0557] Materials and Methods

[0558] Preparation of BC suspensions

[0559] Stable BC suspension was prepared according to examples 1 and 2. Semi-stable BC suspension was prepared according to examples 1 and 2 but using centrifuge washing instead of crossflow filtration resulting in partial removal of acetan in the sample.

[0560] Unstable BC suspension was prepared according to previous examples with stable BC, but with the addition of a bleach step (1% NaCIO2 at pH 5) which degrades most of the acetan.

[0561] Quantification of Acetan

[0562] The BC suspensions were treated with 15% trifluoracetic at 105 °C for 5 hours to selectively degrade acetan in the sample. The samples were subsequently centrifuged at 4500 rpm for 10 minutes to separate the insoluble cellulose fraction. The dry weight concentration of the supernatant was determined and the total fraction-% of hydrolysed material was calculated.

[0563] Results The resulting viscosity and visual appearance of BC samples containing different amount of acetan is shown in Table 21 and Figure 11. This demonstrates the importance of acetan in stabilizing BC i.e. retaining a smooth gel without clumping or water-phase separation. Table 21. Ratio of BC:acetan in BC suspensions with different stabilities.

[0564] Conclusions

[0565] The characterisations of a stable, a semi-stable, and an unstable BC suspension indicate that BC suspensions having a BC:acetan ratio of 1 :0.23 or lower are unstable, whereas BC suspensions having a BC:acetan ratio higher than 1 :0.23 are stable. Example 19 - Comparison of stable BC to state-of-the-art BC

[0566] Objective

[0567] To compare stable BC to state-of-the-art BC.

[0568] Materials and Methods

[0569] Preparation of BC suspensions

[0570] Raw broth was prepared according to example 1 , i.e. BC with fermentation broth and impurities without any further purification / downstream processing. Stable BC suspension was prepared according to examples 1 and 2.

[0571] High purity BC suspension was prepared the same way as stable BC, but with the addition of a bleaching step (1% NaCIO2 at pH 5) which degrades most of the acetan. TEMPO (2,2,6,6-Tetramethylpiperidine-1-oxyl) oxidized BC was prepared according to Saito et al. using high purity BC as starting material. The commercial BC mixture containing BC, cellulose gum, and glycerine was obtained as is.

[0572] Viscosity

[0573] The viscosity measurements were carried out at 25 °C under rotational movement measuring the viscosity at shear rates between 0.1-100 s-1using a Discovery HR-20 Rheometer (TA Instruments). The geometry used was a 40 mm plate with the gap set to 1000 pm. The viscosity values presented are derived at a shear rate of 1 s’1.

[0574] Water holding capacity

[0575] The BC suspensions (20 mL of 0.5% BC in deionized water) were centrifuged at 4500 x G for 20 minutes. The supernatant was carefully removed and weighed. The water holding capacity was calculated based on how much water the cellulose pellet absorbed using the following formula where W is weight.

[0576] (Wtotal VVsupernatant VVdrypellett) / VVdrypellett

[0577] Stabilization of jojoba beads

[0578] A total of 40 mg Jojoba beads (0.250-0.650 mm) were mixed into 10 mL of BC suspensions at different concentrations.

[0579] FTIR Each BC suspension was oven dried at 100 °C and the resulting dry sheets were analyzed with FTIR. Each spectrum was baseline-corrected and normalized at 1056 cm-1(C-0 stretching vibration of glucose ring).

[0580] SEM

[0581] Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) images were acquired with a Quanta 3D FEG (FEI company, Netherlands). A volume of 10 pL of 0.01% BC suspension was air dried on a metal plate at 40 °C and subsequently coated with a gold layer of 2nm.

[0582] Results

[0583] The properties and characteristics of raw broth, stable BC suspension, and state-of- the-art BC, including high purity BC suspension, TEMPO-oxidized BC suspension and a commercial BC mixture, are summarised in Table 22. The stability of the different BC types after shearing at 100 s-1are shown in Figure 12 where the instability of pure BC becomes apparent. This showcases why oxidation or stabilization with other polymer is required to prevent clumping of BC. Table 23 and Figure 13 shows the dosage (wt.%) required of each BC type for suspending jojoba beads in water demonstrating the high efficiency of stable BC compared to other types. Figure 14 shows the FTIR spectra of each BC type. High purity BC is distinguished by more pronounced peaks at 1056, 1163, and 1430 cm-1(C-0 stretching, C-O-C stretching, and CH2 bending) corresponding to crystalline cellulose. TEMPO-oxidized BC show a similar spectrum to high purity BC but with an additional peak at 1735 cm-1corresponding to carbonyl group (result of cellulose oxidation). Commercial BC mixture has less pronounced peaks around 1056, 1163, and 1430 cm-1with an additional peak around 1597 cm-1corresponding to the carbonyl group in carboxymethylcellulose (CMC). Stable BC is distinguished by less pronounced peaks at 1056, 1163, and 1430 cm-1with an additional peak at 1735 cm-1corresponding to carbonyl / carboxylic acid present in acetan. Figure 15 shows FESEM image of each BC type demonstrating the visual differences between them. High purity BC and TEMPO-oxidized BC show only cellulose fibrils; commercial BC mixture shows little-to-no visible cellulose fibres and an abundance of polymer matrix (CMC); stable BC shows cellulose fibrils in a polymer matrix (acetan).

[0584] Table 22. Stable BC suspension comparison to state-of-the-art BC. Table 23. Concentrations at which different BC can suspend jojoba beads in water.

[0585] Top row describes the dry weight concentration of the BC suspension that the beads were suspended in / with.

[0586] Conclusions

[0587] The Stable BC possesses unique physical and chemical properties in comparison to state-of-the art BC resulting in superior performance as rheology modifier, i.e. for particle stabilizing and thickening applications.

[0588] Following advantages can be seen with stable BC product: 1) it is a 100% fermentation-derived material without chemically modified cellulose (Table 23); 2) the viscosity is higher than other non-cumping BC suspensions (i.e. TEMPO-oxidized BC and commercial BC mixture) (Table 22); 3) the water-holding capacity is on par with commercial BC mixture and higher than the other types of BC (Table 22); 4) it is the only BC type that could suspend jojoba beads in water at a concentration as low as 0.04 wt.% which is 2.5 times more efficient than high purity BC, 6.3 times more efficient than TEMPO-oxidized BC, and 25 times more efficient than commercial BC mixture (Table 23).

[0589] Example 20 - Re-dispersibility of stable BC from a dry state

[0590] Objective

[0591] To dry stable BC suspension and re-disperse into water.

[0592] Materials and Methods

[0593] Production and purification of stable BC BC broth was produced in a 300 L fermenter with a final yield of 0.5 wt.%. The broth was washed with water using dynamic cross-flow filtration (DCF) and a 70 nm filter. The treated BC broth was then subjected to 0.25 M NaOH at 60 °C and washed again. The final suspension is denoted as “stable BC”.

[0594] Drying

[0595] A 0.5% stable BC suspension spray dried into a powder (TOPTION spray dryer, TP- 815) with an inlet temperature of 215°C.

[0596] Re-dispersion of powder

[0597] The powder was re-dispersed into water using an Ultra-Turrax mixer (1 min at 10 000 rpm).

[0598] Viscosity

[0599] The viscosity measurements were carried out at 25 °C under rotational movement measuring the viscosity at shear rates between 0.1-100 s'1using a Discovery HR-20 Rheometer (TA Instruments). The geometry used was a 40 mm plate with the gap set to 1000 pm. The viscosity values presented are derived at a shear rate of 1 s'1.

[0600] Stabilization of jojoba beads

[0601] A total of 40 mg Jojoba beads (0.250-0.650 mm) were mixed into 10 mL of 0.04% BC suspensions (never dried and re-dispersed).

[0602] Results

[0603] Table 24 shows the results from re-dispersion of dry BC into aqueous suspension where the viscosity was reattained after re-dispersion. Moreover, Table 25 and Figure 15 shows reattained particle suspending properties at 0.04 wt.% (dry weight) of the redispersed BC.

[0604] Table 24. Viscosity of never-dried and re-dispersed BC suspensions; re-dispersion was carried out using Ultra-Turrax mixing resulting in the re-dispersed BC suspension with the characteristics described in the table. The first column describes the dry weight concentration of the BC suspension at which the viscosity was measured.

[0605] Table 25. Particle suspending properties with never-dried and re-dispersed stable BC suspensions (Fig. 16). The second column describes the dry weight concentration of the BC suspension that the beads were suspended in / with.

[0606] Conclusions

[0607] The results provided herein show that the stable BC suspension can be dried and redispersed into a suspension / gel with high viscosity and reattains its particle stabilizing properties. Even at a concentration of only 0.1 wt.%, the dried and re-dispersed stable BC suspension showed a recovery of viscosity of around 50% (Table 24). The particle suspending properties were also reattained at 0.04 wt.% after re-dispersion of the stable BC suspension demonstrating high stability (i.e. no water-cellulose separation or clumping).

[0608] Example 21 - Stabilization of plant MFC using BC

[0609] Objective

[0610] To demonstrate application of stable BC in boosting microfibrillated cellulose (MFC) particle stabilizing performance and preventing cellulose-water separation in MFC suspensions.

[0611] Materials and Methods

[0612] Production and purification of stable BC BC broth was produced in a 300 L fermenter with a final yield of 0.5 wt.%. The broth was washed with water using dynamic cross-flow filtration (DCF) and a 70 nm filter. The treated BC broth was then subjected to 0.25 M NaOH at 60°C and washed again. The final suspension is denoted as “stable BC”.

[0613] Particle stabilization using MFC and BC blends

[0614] Different amounts of BC were added to 0.04% and 0.1% commercial wood MFC suspensions. Thereafter, jojoba beads were suspended in the MFC suspensions, and a picture was taken after 1 h to observe if the beads were still suspended or not. In addition, after 4 days the cellulose-water separation was observed in a 0.04% MFC suspension with or without BC.

[0615] Results

[0616] Stable BC could synergize with MFC and achieve particle suspending at 0.04 wt.% MFC by adding 0.02% BC (Table 26 and Fig. 17). Stable BC added at a concentration of 0.004 wt.% to 0.04 wt.% MFC was able to reduce cellulose-water separation in the MFC suspension (Table 27 and Fig. 17).

[0617] Table 26. Particle stabilizing effect of plant MFC suspension with different amounts of BC added. Table 27. Cellulose-water separation (water pillar height) of MFC suspension with or without BC added.

[0618] Conclusions

[0619] Addition of small amounts of BC (e.g. 0.02 wt.%) to plant MFC (e.g. 0.04 wt.%) results in a MFC suspension with particle suspending properties and reduces cellulose-water separation. Stable BC can suspend the larger MFC fibres thus creating a more reticulated fibre network which apart from stabilizing the fibre suspension (i.e. reducing cellulose-water separation) also facilitates suspension of the jojoba beads.

[0620] Example 22 - Particle size distribution in stable BC Objective

[0621] To determine the particle sizes in stable BC suspension.

[0622] Materials and Methods

[0623] Production and purification of stable BC

[0624] BC broth was produced in a 300 L fermenter with a final yield of 0.5 wt.%. The broth was washed with water using dynamic cross-flow filtration (DCF) and a 70 nm filter. The treated BC broth was then subjected to 0.25 M NaOH at 60°C and washed again. The final suspension is denoted as “stable BC”.

[0625] Particle size determination

[0626] Stable BC suspension was analysed using Laser diffraction (LD) for determining the particle sizes between 0.1 pm (min) to 3 mm (max). The optical parameters used were the ones for cellulose, namely real: 1.4683, imaginary: 0.01. The dispersant was DI water with a refractive index of 1.33. The sample was dispersed in water by stirring at 2400 RPM, and no ultrasound was used. The measurement was repeated 5 times in total. Results

[0627] The particle size distributions were calculated and reported in Table 28 and plotted in Figure 18. Table 28 shows the Dx10, Dx50 and Dx90 which are the percentile values, i.e. statistical parameters that indicate the size below which 10%, 50% or 90% of all particles are found (based on volume distribution).

[0628] Table 28. Summary of the particle size distribution in stable BC sample.

[0629] Sample Dx10 [pm] Dx50 [pm] Dx90 [pm]

[0630] Stable BC 178±22 583±28 1290±105

[0631] Conclusions

[0632] The stable BC suspension contain particles in the size range of 15-3000 pm (Fig. 18) which reflects cellulose fibril lengths and fibril cluster sizes.

[0633] References

[0634] Rozman, II., & Kalcikova, G. (2021). The first comprehensive study evaluating the ecotoxicity and biodegradability of water-soluble polymers used in personal care products and cosmetics. Ecotoxicology and environmental safety, 228, 113016.

[0635] Saito, T., Kimura, S., Nishiyama, Y., & Isogai, A. (2007). Cellulose nanofibers prepared by TEMPO-mediated oxidation of native cellulose. Biomacromolecules, 8(8), 2485- 2491.

[0636] Jun, S. H., Park, S. G., & Kang, N. G. (2019). One-pot method of synthesizing TEMPO- oxidized bacterial cellulose nanofibers using immobilized TEMPO for skincare applications. Polymers, 77(6), 1044.

[0637] WO 2006 / 127810, Yang, BACTERIAL CELLULOSE-CONTAINING FORMULATIONS AND METHOD OF PRODUCING EFFECTIVE BACTERIAL CELLULOSE- CONTAINING FORMULATIONS, 2006.

Claims

Claims1. A processed bacterial cellulose (BC) suspension, having a ratio of acetan and BC (acetan: BC ratio) of at least 0.1:1 and: a. of at least 0.2: 1 , such as of at least 0.3:1, such as of at least 0.4: 1 , such as of at least 0.5:1 , such as of at least 0.8:1 , such as of at least 1:1 , such as of at least 1.1:1, such as of at least 1.2:1, such as of at least 1.5:1, such as of at least 1.6:1 , such as of at least 1.7:1 , such as of at least 2:1, such as of at least 2.1 :1, such as of at least 2.2:1 , such as of at least 2.5:1 , such as of at least 2.7:1 , such as of at least 2.8:1, such as of at least 2.9:1 , such as of at least 3:1, such as of at least 3.5:1 , such as of at least 4:1, such as of at least 4.5:1 , such as of at least 4.6:1, such as of at least 4.7:1, such as of at least 5: 1 , such as of at least 5.5:1, such as of at least 6:1 , such as of at least 6.5:1 , such as of at least 7:1, such as of at least 7.5:1, such as of at least 8:1 , such as of at least 8.5:1 , such as of at least 9:1, such as of at least 9.5:1 , such as of at least 10: 1 , or more; and / or b. of at the most 10: 1 , such as of at the most 9.5: 1 , such as of at the most 9:1 , such as of at the most 8.5:1 , such as of at the most 8:1 , such as of at the most 7.5:1 , such as of at the most 7:1, such as of at the most 6.5: 1 , such as of at the most 6: 1 , such as of at the most 5.5:1, such as of at the most 5:1, such as of at the most 4.7:1, such as of at the most 4.6:1, such as of at the most 4.5: 1 , such as of at the most 4: 1 , such as of at the most 3.5:1 , such as of at the most 3: 1 , such as of at the most 2.9:1, such as of at the most 2.8:1 , such as of at 2.7:1, such as of at the most 2.5:1, such as of at the most 2.2:1, such as of at the most 2.1:1, such as of at the most 2:1 , such as of at the most 1.7:1 , such as of at the most 1.6:1 , such as of at the most 1.5:1 , such as of at the most 1.2:1, such as of at the most 1.1 :1 , such as of at the most 1:1 , such as of at the most 0.8:1, such as of at the most 0.5:1, such as of at the most 0.4:1 , such as of at the most 0.3:1 , such as of at the most 0.2:1; and / or c. between 0.1 :1 and 10:1, such as between 0.5:1 and 7.5:1, such as between 1 :1 and 5:1, such as between 1:1 and 4.6:1, such as between 1.1 :1 and 4: 1 , such as between 2: 1 and 3: 1 , such as between 2.1:1 and 2.8:1.

2. The processed BC suspension according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the acetan comprises at least the monosaccharides glucose (Glc) and mannose (Man), and optionally rhamnose (Rha), arabinose (Ara), xylose (Xyl), galactose (Gal), uronic acid (UrA), and / or glucuronic acid (GlcA).

3. The processed BC suspension according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the BC suspension further comprises fructan and / or levan.

4. The processed BC suspension according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein acetan comprises at least three different monosaccharides, such as at least four different monosaccharides, such as five different monosaccharides, wherein said monosaccharides comprising at least Glc and Man, preferably wherein said acetan comprises four different monosaccharides comprising or consisting of Glc, Man, Rha, UrA, and GlcA.

5. The processed BC suspension according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising between 0.02% and 3% (w / w) BC solids, wherein said suspension: a. comprises BC fiber clusters having a size between 50 nm and 3000 pm, such as between 50 nm and 2500 pm; b. has a viscosity between 0.5 and 5000 mPa-s at a shear stress of 100 / s at 25°C, and / or a viscosity of between 5 and 250 000 mPa s, such as between 1000 and 200 000, such as between 2000 and 150 000, such as between 3000 and 100 000, such as between 5000 and 60 000 mPa s, at a shear stress of 1 / s at 25°C; and c. has a water holding capacity of at least 80 g water / g BC.

6. The processed BC suspension according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the suspension: is stable, is smooth, does not clump, does not flocculate, and / or does not exhibit water-cellulose separation.

7. The processed BC suspension according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said suspension:a. comprises between 0.02% and 2.8% (w / w) BC solids, such as between 0.02% and 2.4% (w / w) BC solids, such as between 0.02% and 2% (w / w) BC solids, such as between 0.03% and 2.8% (w / w) BC solids, such as between 0.03% and 2.4% (w / w) BC solids, such as between 0.03% and 2% (w / w) BC solids, such as between 0.04% and 2.8% (w / w) BC solids, such as between 0.04% and 2.4% (w / w) BC solids, such as between 0.04 and 2% (w / w) BC solids; b. comprises BC clusters having a size between 50 nm and 2000 pm, such as between 50 nm and 1700 pm, such as between 60 nm and 1300 pm, such as between 65 nm and 1200 pm, such as between 65 nm and 1100 pm, such as between 70 nm and 1000 pm, such as between 50 nm and 500 pm, such as between 50 nm and 300 pm, such as between 50 nm and 200 pm, such as between 65 nm and 200 pm, such as between 70 nm and 150 pm; c. has a water holding capacity of at least 90 g water / g BC (g / g), such as at least 100 g / g, such as at least 110 g / g, such as at least 120 g / g, such as at least 130 g / g, such as at least 140 g / g, such as at least 150 g / g, such as at least 160 g / g, such as at least 170 g / g, such as at least 180 g / g, such as at least 190 g / g, such as at least 200 g / g; d. the crystallinity index of the BC is at least 65% when measured by Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, such as at least 70%, such as at least 75%, such as at least 80%, such as at least 85%.

8. The processed BC suspension according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: a. said suspension has a viscosity between 0.5 and 2000 mPa-s at a shear stress of 100 / s at 25°C, such as between 0.5 and 1 mPa s, such as between 20 and 100 mPa s, such as between 300 and 1000 mPa s, such as 1500 mPa s, such as between 10 and 1000 mPa s, such as between 5 and 1000 mPa s at a shear stress of 100 / s at 25°C; and / or b. said suspension has a viscosity between 10 000 and 220 000 mPa s at a shear stress of 1 / s at 25°C, such as between 70 000 and 220 000 mPa s, such as between 10 000 and 40 000, such as between 12 000 and 35 000 mPa s, such as between 15 000 and 35 000 mPa s, such as between 16 000 and 30 000 mPa s at a shear stress of 1 / s at 25°C;optionally wherein the viscosity is measured at a concentration of 1% (w / w) of BC solids.

9. The processed BC suspension according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said suspension is capable of stabilizing particles in a composition.

10. The processed BC suspension according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said suspension is capable of stabilizing particles in a composition, such as an aqueous composition, for example a composition comprising water, when said suspension has a BC solid content of between 0.02% (w / w) and 10%, such as between 0.03% (w / w) and 7.5%, such as between 0.035% (w / w) and 6%, such as between 0.04% (w / w) and 5% (w / w), or for example a BC solid content between 0.02% (w / w) and 0.4% (w / w).

11. The processed BC suspension according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said suspension is capable of stabilizing particles in a composition, such as an aqueous composition, for example a suspension comprising water, when said composition has a BC solid content of at the most 0.04% (w / w).

12. The processed BC suspension according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said suspension comprises impurities, optionally wherein said impurities are impurities having a neutral electric charge or having a negative electric charge, optionally wherein said impurities are one or more compounds selected from the group consisting of: proteins; nitrogen; ions and salts thereof, such as calcium, sodium, potassium, magnesium and salts thereof, such as calcium chloride, calcium carbonate, calcium sulfate, sodium chloride, sodium carbonate, sodium sulfate, potassium chloride, potassium sulfate, potassium carbonate, magnesium chloride, magnesium carbonate or magnesium sulfate; and silicon and derivatives thereof, such as silica, silicates, siloxane or silicon dioxide.

13. The processed BC suspension according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said suspension has: a. a nitrogen content of at least 0.05 wt.%, such as at least 0.1 wt.%, such as at least 0.15 wt.%, such as at least 0.2 wt.%; and / orb. a content of ions and salts thereof and / or silicon and derivatives thereof of at least 0.05 wt.%, such as at least 0.1 wt.%, such as at least 0.15 wt.%, such as at least 0.2 wt.%.

14. The processed BC suspension according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said composition is: a. a personal care product, a cosmetic product, a pharmaceutical product, a biomedical product, or a food product, and / or b. an ingredient of a personal care product, a cosmetic product, a pharmaceutical product, a biomedical product, or a food product.

15. The processed BC suspension according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said processed BC suspension does not comprise living bacteria, proteins or DNA.

16. The processed BC suspension according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said suspension is stable: a. at a pH between 2 and 13, such as in a composition with a pH between 2 and 13; b. in the presence of oil, such as in a composition comprising BC suspension and oil, optionally in a composition comprising BC suspension and between 5 and 35% (w / w) oil, such as between 10 and 20% (w / w) oil, optionally wherein the oil is a polar or non-polar oil selected from the group consisting of paraffin and jojoba oil; c. in the presence of salt, such as in a composition comprising BC suspension and salt, optionally in a composition comprising BC suspension and between 5 and 25% (w / w) salt, such as between 5 and 15% (w / w) salt, optionally wherein the salt is a sodium salt or a calcium salt, preferably selected from the group consisting of sodium chloride,sodium citrate, sodium dihydrogen phosphate and sodium dihydrogen phosphate; d. in the presence of surfactant, such as in a composition comprising BC suspension and surfactant, optionally in a composition comprising BC suspension and between 5 and 25% (w / w) surfactant, such as between 5 and 15% (w / w) surfactant, optionally wherein the surfactant is a cationic, anionic or zwitter-ionic surfactant, such as selected from the group consisting of cocoamidpropyl betaine (CAPB), sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), sodium laureth sulfate (SLS), lauryl glucoside and surfactants comprising quaternary ammonium cation (QLIAT); and / or e. in the presence of ethanol, such as in a composition comprising BC suspension and ethanol, optionally in a composition comprising BC suspension and between 5 and 70% (v / v) ethanol, such as between 20 and 60% (w / w) ethanol.

17. A method of producing a processed BC suspension comprising acetan, said method comprising the steps of: a. incubating a cellulose-producing bacteria in a culture medium, wherein the cellulose-producing bacteria produces BC comprising acetan thereby obtaining a fermentation broth comprising BC b. processing said fermentation broth comprising BC to obtain a processed fermentation broth comprising a processed BC suspension; and c. recovering said processed BC suspension comprising acetan from said processed fermentation broth, thereby obtaining said processed BC suspension comprising acetan, wherein said processed BC suspension comprising acetan is as defined in any one of claims 1 to 14, further wherein the ratio of acetan and BC (acetan:BC ratio) in said BC suspension comprising acetan is as defined in claim 1.

18. The method according to claim 17, wherein step b. does not significantly remove and / or degrade acetan from said BC and / or processed BC suspension comprising acetan.

19. The method according to any one of claims 17 to 18, wherein step b. does not comprise: bleaching, such as treatment of said fermentation broth comprising BC and / or said processed fermentation broth with a bleaching agent, for example H2O2 and / or NaCICh / NaCIO and / or NaOH; crude filtration, such as crude centrifugation and / or crude filtration, for example filtration with >1 pm filters, optionally combined with washing; and / or strong alkali treatment, such as treating said fermentation broth comprising BC and / or said processed fermentation broth with a strong alkali, for example sodium hydroxide at concentrations higher than 0.5 to 2 M, such as 0.5 to 1 M, optionally wherein the strong alkali treatment is repeated more than once; and / or repeated alkali treatment, such as treating said fermentation broth comprising BC and / or said processed fermentation broth with an alkali more than once, for example sodium hydroxide at concentrations lower than 0.5 M.

20. The method according to any one of claims 17 to 19, wherein said method does not comprise a step of adding and / or mixing said fermentation broth comprising BC, processed fermentation broth comprising BC and / or processed BC suspension comprising acetan with any additional synthetic and / or anionic polymer, such as pectin, carboxymethyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose, xanthan gum, alginates, gellan gum, diutan gum, welan gum, rhamsan gum, carrageenan, guar gum, agar, gum arabic, gum ghatti, karaya gum, gum tragacanth, tamarind gum, or locust bean gum.

21. The method according to any one of claims 17 to 20, wherein the culture medium comprises a carbon source, preferably sucrose.

22. The method according to any one of claims 17 to 21 , wherein the cellulose- producing bacteria is of a genus selected from the group consisting of Acetobacter, Gluconacetobacter, Komagataeibacter, Kozakia and Gluconobacter, optionally wherein the cellulose-producing bacteria is of aspecies selected from the group consisting of Acetobacter xylinus, Acetobacter xylinum, Acetobacter hansenii, Acetobacter pasteurianus, Acetobacter estunensis, Gluconacetobacter xylinus, Gluconacetobacter diazotrophicus, Kozakia balensiensis, Gluconobacter oxydans, Komagataeibacter rhaeticus, Komagataeibacter medellinensis, Komagataeibacter hansenii, Komagataeibacter sucrofermentans and Komagataeibacter xylinus, preferably wherein the cellulose-producing bacteria is Komagataeibacter xylinus.

23. The method according to any one of claims 17 to 22, wherein: f. the incubation of step a) takes place in an agitated reactor, such as in a stirred tank reactor; and / or g. step b) does not comprise a step of wet comminution.

24. The method according to any one of claims 17 to 23, wherein the processing of step b. comprises: i. pre-washing the fermentation broth comprising BC, preferably with water, thereby obtaining said processed fermentation broth comprising the processed BC suspension and / or said processed BC suspension comprising acetan; ii. treating the fermentation broth comprising BC or the processed fermentation broth comprising the processed BC suspension with an alkali, preferably sodium hydroxide, preferably at a concentration lower than 0.5 M, once, thereby obtaining said processed fermentation broth comprising a BC suspension and / or said processed BC suspension comprising acetan; iii. treating the fermentation broth comprising BC or the processed fermentation broth comprising the processed BC suspension with acid, thereby obtaining said processed fermentation broth comprising the BC and / or said processed BC suspension comprising acetan; iv. washing the fermentation broth comprising BC or the processed fermentation broth comprising the processed BC suspension, preferably with water, thereby obtaining said processed fermentation broth comprising the processed BC and / or said BC suspension comprising acetan; and / orv. filtrating the fermentation broth comprising BC or the processed fermentation broth, and / or precipitating the fermentation broth comprising BC or the processed fermentation broth, with a solvent, thereby obtaining said processed BC suspension comprising acetan.

25. The method according to any one of claims 17 to 24, wherein steps iv. and v. are performed as:- washing and filtrating said fermentation broth comprising BC or the processed fermentation broth; and / or- washing and precipitating the fermentation broth comprising BC or the processed fermentation broth with a solvent, thereby obtaining said processed BC suspension comprising acetan.

26. The method according to any one of claims 17 to 25, wherein step c. comprises mixing said processed BC suspension with water.

27. The method according to any one of claims 17 to 26, wherein: the alkali of step ii. is sodium hydroxide, optionally wherein the concentration of sodium hydroxide is between 0.001 and 0.5 M, such as between 0.1 and 0.4 M, such as between 0.2 and 0.3 M; the treatment of step iii. comprises treating the BC until it has a pH of between 2 and 8, such as a pH of between 2 and 7, such as a pH between 2 and 6, such as a pH of between 3 and 7; the filtration of step v. comprises use of a 70 nm filter, optionally wherein step v. comprises dynamic cross-flow filtration with a 70 nm filter; and / or the precipitation of step v. comprises precipitating said BC with an alcohol, for example ethanol (EtOH).

28. A composition comprising the processed BC suspension according to any one of claims 1 to 16.

29. A product comprising the processed BC suspension according to any one of claims 1 to 16, or the composition according to claim 28.

30. Use of the processed BC suspension according to any one of claims 1 to 16as a thickener, stabilizer, such as stabilizer of MFC, emulsifier, rheology modifier, film-forming agent, SPF-boosting agent and / or anti-wrinkle agent.

31. Use of the processed BC suspension according to any one of claims 1 to 16 to stabilize a microfibrillated cellulose (MFC) suspension.

32. Use of the processed BC suspension according to any one of claims 1 to 16 to reduce or prevent cellulose-water separation of a MFC suspension.

33. The uses according to any one of claims 31 to 32, wherein the processed BC suspension is added to said MFC suspension at a concentration of 0.02% w / w to 0.5% w / w, such as 0.03% to 0.5% w / w, such as 0.04% to 0.5% w / w, such as 0.05% to 0.5% w / w, such as 0.1% to 0.5% w / w, such as 0.2% to 0.5% w / w, such as 0.3% to 0.5% w / w, such as 0.4% to 0.5% w / w.

34. A microfibrillated cellulose (MFC) suspension comprising BC and acetan, preferably wherein: the ratio of said acetan and BC is as defined in claim 1; said BC is as defined in any one of claims 5 to 7; and / or said acetan is as defined in any one of claims 2 to 4.

35. The MFC suspension according to claim 34, wherein the MFC suspension: is stable, is smooth, and / or does not exhibit water-cellulose separation.

36. The MFC suspension according to any one of claims 34 to 35, wherein the MFC suspension exhibits less water-cellulose separation compared to a corresponding suspension not comprising said BC and acetan and / or compared to a corresponding suspension comprising BC and acetan at a ratio different than defined in claim 1 , optionally wherein said water-cellulose separation is determined by water pillar height at least 4 days after preparation of said suspension, preferably wherein the water pillar height of said MFC suspension comprisingBC and acetan is lower compared to the water pillar height of a corresponding suspension not comprising said BC and acetan.

37. The MFC suspension according to claim 36, wherein said corresponding suspension does not comprise BC and acetan, or wherein said corresponding suspension comprises BC without acetan, or wherein said corresponding suspension comprises BC and acetan at a ratio different than defined in claim 1.

38. The MFC suspension according to any one of claims 34 to 37, wherein said suspension is capable of stabilizing particles, when said composition has: a MFC solid content of 0.04% (w / w) and a BC solid content of at least 0.02% (w / w) or a BC solid content of at the most 0.02% (w / w); and / or a MFC solid content of 0.1% (w / w) and a BC solid content between 0.02% (w / w) and 0.05% (w / w), or a BC solid content of at least 0.02% (w / w), or a BC solid content of at the most 0.05% (w / w); preferably wherein said suspension is an aqueous suspension, and preferably wherein said particles are as defined in claim 60 to 61.

39. A bacterial cellulose (BC) powder, comprising:- BC; acetan; wherein the ratio of acetan and BC (acetan: BC ratio) is as defined in claim 1.

40. The BC powder according to claim 39, wherein said acetan is as defined in any one of claims 2 to 4.

41. The BC powder according to any one of claims 39 to 40, wherein the BC powder is dispersible, such as redispersible, in an aqueous solution, such as in aqueous media, by zero shear or low shear mixing.

42. The BC powder according to any one of the claims 39 to 41 , wherein the BC powder is dispersible, such as redispersible, in aqueous solution by mixing at between 300 rpm and 20,000 rpm, such as between 500 rpm and 5000 rpm, such as between 600 rpm and 10,000 rpm, such as at 10 000 rpm,optionally by mixing for between 30 seconds and 25 minutes, such as by mixing for between 1 minute and 20 minutes, for example for 1 minute.

43. The BC powder according to any one of the claims 39 to 42, wherein the BC powder is dispersible, such as redispersible, in aqueous solution by mixing with a deflocculator, such as a deflocculator mixer, for example a deflocculator turbine.

44. The BC powder according to any one of claims 39 to 43, wherein said BC powder does not comprise any additional synthetic and / or anionic polymer, such as pectin, carboxymethyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose, xanthan gum, alginates, gellan gum, diutan gum, welan gum, rhamsan gum, carrageenan, guar gum, agar, gum arabic, gum ghatti, karaya gum, gum tragacanth, tamarind gum, or locust bean gum.

45. The BC powder according to any one of claims 39 to 44, wherein said BC powder has a recovery of viscosity of at least 40% upon redispersion, such as at least 45%, such as at least 49%, such as at least 50%, such as at least 60%, such as at least 70%, such as at least 71%, such as at least 73%, such as at least 78%, such as at least 80%, such as at least 82%, such as at least 88%, such as at least 90%, such as a recovery of viscosity of 100% upon redispersion, wherein the recovery of viscosity upon redispersion is relative to the viscosity of a corresponding never-dried BC suspension having the same concentration of BC.

46. The BC powder according to claim 45, wherein the recovery of viscosity is calculated using the formula:_ _ Viscosity (at 1 s — 1) of redispersed BC powderViscosity recovery (%) = 100 * - - - - — - - - - - -Viscosity (at 1 s — 1) of never dried BC suspension47. The BC powder according to any one of the claims 39 to 46, wherein the BC has a crystallinity of at least 30%, such as at least 40%, such as at least 50%, such as at least 60%, such as at least 70%, such as at least 80%, wherein the crystallinity is determined with Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR)by calculating the peak ratio at 1430 and 898 cm-1.

48. The BC powder according to any one of the claims 39 to 47, wherein the BC has a crystallinity of between 30% and 100%, such as between 50% and 100%, such as between 40% and 90%, such as between 60% and 90%, such as between, 70% and 90%, such as between 70% and 85%, wherein the crystallinity is determined with FTIR by calculating the peak ratio at 1430 and 898 cm’1.

49. The BC powder according to any one of the claims 39 to 48, wherein the BC powder comprises powder particles with: a. an average powder particle size of between 0.1 and 500 pm, such as between 1 and 50 pm, such as between 10 and 40 pm, such as between 15 and 30 pm, such as between 19 and 24 pm, wherein the average powder particle size is calculated based on the powder particle volume distribution; b. an average powder particle size of between 0.01 and 200 pm, such as between 0.1 and 20 pm, such as between 1 and 15 pm, such as between 1 and 10 pm, such as between 2 and 9 pm, such as between 4 and 8 pm, wherein the average powder particle size is calculated based on the powder particle number distribution; c. an average convexity of at least 0.8, such as at least 0.85, such as at least 0.9, such as at least 0.92, such as at least 0.94, such as at least 0.96, such as at least 0.97, wherein the average convexity is calculated based on the powder particle number distribution or based on the powder particle volume distribution; d. an average elongation of between 0.4 and 0.7, such as between 0.45 and 0.65, wherein the average elongation is calculated based on the powderparticle volume distribution; e. an average elongation of between 0.1 and 0.4, such as between 0.2 and 0.3, wherein the average elongation is calculated based on the powder particle number distribution; f. an average circularity of at least 0.8, such as at least 0.85, such as at least 0.9, wherein the average circularity is calculated based on the powder particle volume distribution; and / or g. an average circularity of at least 0.7, such as at least 0.75, such as at least 0.8, wherein the average circularity is calculated based on the powder particle number distribution.

50. The BC powder according to any one of the claims 39 to 49, wherein the BC powder comprises: a. powder particles with a smooth surface; and / or b. elliptical-shapes powder particles.51 . The BC powder according to any one of the claims 39 to 50, wherein the BC powder has a recovery of water holding capacity of at least 40% upon redispersion, such as at least 50%, such as at least 60%, such as at least 70%, such as at least 80%, such as at least 90%, such as a recovery of water holding capacity of 100% upon redispersion, wherein the recovery of water holding capacity is relative to the viscosity of a corresponding never-dried BC suspension, and wherein the recovery of viscosity is calculated using the formula:Water holding capacity recovery (%)Water holding capacity of redispersed BC powder = 100 * -Water holding capacity of never dried BC suspension52. A method of producing a BC powder, comprising: a. providing a processed BC suspension, said processed BC suspension comprising acetan, preferably wherein said processed BC suspension is as defined in any one of claims 1 to 16; and b. drying said processed BC suspension; thereby obtaining said BC powder, preferably wherein said BC powder is as defined in any one of claims 39 to 51.

53. The method according to claim 52, wherein step a. comprises performing the method according to any one of claims 17 to 25, thereby obtaining said processed BC suspension.

54. The method according to any one of claims 52 to 53, wherein step b. comprises or consists of spray drying and / or oven drying, preferably spray drying.

55. A BC suspension comprising the BC powder according to any one of claims 39 to 51 redispersed, such as resuspended, in an aqueous solution.

56. The BC suspension according to claim 55, wherein said BC suspension has a viscosity of: at least 10 mPas, such as at least 25 mPas, such as at least 50 mPas, or higher, at a concentration of 0.1 wt.% BC powder, at least 750 mPas, such as at least 1000 mPas, such as at least 1300 mPas, or higher, at a concentration of 0.3 wt.% BC powder, at least 8000 mPas, such as at least 8250 mPas, such as at least 8500 mPas, such as at least 8650 mPas, or higher, at a concentration of 0.7 wt.% BC powder, at least 14000 mPas, such as at least 14250 mPas, such as at least 14500 mPas, such as at least 14700 mPas, or higher, at a concentration of 0.9 wt.% BC powder, at least 15000 mPas, such as at least 15500 mPas, such as at least 16000 mPas, such as at least 16500 mPas, such as at least 16700 mPas, or higher, at a concentration of 1 wt.% BC powder,at least 21500, such as at least 22000 mPas, such as at least 22500 mPas, or higher, at a concentration of 1.1 wt.% BC powder, wherein the viscosity is measured at a shear rate of 1 s-1at 25°C.

57. The BC suspension according to any one of claims 55 to 56, wherein said BC suspension has a viscosity of at least 2500 mPas, such as at least 3000 mPas, such as at least 4000 mPas, such as at least 4500 mPas, such as at least 5000 mPas, or higher, at a concentration of 0.5 wt.% BC powder, wherein the viscosity is measured at a shear rate of 1 s-1at 25°C.

58. The BC suspension according to any one of 55 to 57, wherein said BC suspension has a viscosity of at least 6000 mPas, such as at least 8000 mPas, such as at least 10,000 mPas at a concentration of 1.0 wt.% BC powder, wherein the viscosity is measured at a shear rate of 1 s-1 at 25°C.

59. The BC suspension according to any one of claims 55 to 58, wherein said BC suspension is capable of stabilizing particles.

60. The BC suspension according to claim 59, wherein said particles have a size of between 0.1 mm and 5 mm in diameter, such as between 0.25 mm and 0.65 m, such as between 1 mm and 2 mm, such as between 1 mm and 1.5 mm, such as between 0.25 mm and 2 mm, such as between 0.1 mm and 4 mm, such as between 0.1 mm and 3 mm.

61. The BC suspension according to any one of claims 59 to 60, wherein said particles are selected from the group consisting of microbeads; pearlescents; decorative beads; fragrance beads; gelatine beads; jojoba beads; polyethylene beads; charcoal particles; apricot kernel particles; colorant particles or pigments, such as titanium dioxide or iron oxides; air bubbles; insoluble enzymes; aggregated proteins; encapsulated actives, such as moisturizers or exfoliating agents, such as alpha-hydroxy acids, crystalline cellulose, lactose, magnesium stearate and glycolic acid, or such as crushed walnut shells or sugar; inorganic minerals; kaolin; zeolites; TiO2; ZnO2; vitamins, such as vitamin A or vitamin E; oil droplets; nanoparticles, such as drug delivery nanoparticles; emulsifying agent particles such as lecithin particles or waxparticles; sunscreen active particles, such as zinc oxide or titanium dioxide particles; oil suspensions; and oil emulsions, optionally wherein said particles comprise an active ingredient, such as: i. a vitamin, preferably vitamin A or vitamin E; ii. retinol, or iii. an active ingredient, which is not soluble in water, but is suspendable in water or oil.

62. The BC suspension according to any one of 55 to 61 , wherein said BC suspension: is stable; is smooth; does not clump; does not flocculate; does not exhibit water-cellulose separation; is capable of stabilizing particles; and / or maintains its viscosity; for at least 6 months of storage, such as for at least 9 months of storage, such as for at least 1 year of storage; at a pH of between 2 and 12, such as at a pH of between 3 and 11 ; in the presence of a surfactant; in the presence of a salt; in the presence of one or more compounds selected from the group consisting of buffer, particles, emulsifier, thickener, stabilizer, and preservative.

63. The BC suspension according to claim 62, wherein: the surfactant is a cationic surfactant, a zwitterionic surfactant, an anionic surfactant, an amphoteric surfactant and / or a nonionic surfactant, optionally wherein the surfactant is selected from the group consisting of cocoamidpropyl betaine (CAPB), sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), sodium laureth sulfate (SLS), lauryl glucoside and surfactants comprising quaternary ammonium cation (QLIAT), decyl glucose, polyquaternium-7 (QLIAT 7), behentrimonium chloride, glyceryl stearate, sodium cetearyl sulphate, glyceryl caprylate, sorbitan laurate / C18-C20 and glycol isostearate,further optionally wherein the concentration of surfactant is at least 5 wt.%, such as at least 10 wt.%, such as at least 15 wt.%, such as at least 20 wt.%; the salt is a sodium salt or a calcium salt, optionally wherein the salt is selected from the group consisting of sodium chloride, sodium citrate, sodium dihydrogen phosphate and sodium dihydrogen phosphate, further optionally wherein the concentration of salt is at least 5 wt.%, such as at least 10 wt.%, such as at least 15 wt.%.

64. The BC suspension according to any one of claims 55 to 63, wherein the aqueous solution is water.

65. The BC suspension according to any one of claims 55 to 64, wherein said BC suspension comprises at least 0.02 wt.%, such as at least 0.04 wt.%, such as at least 0.05 wt%, such as at least 0.1 wt.%, such as at least 0.5 wt.% BC powder.

66. The BC suspension according to any one of claims 55 to 65, wherein said BC suspension comprises between 0.02 and 3 wt.% BC powder, such as between 0.02 and 2.4 wt.%, such as between 0.02 and 2 wt.%, such as between 0.03 and 2.8 wt.%, such as between 0.03 and 2.4 wt.%, such as between 0.03 and 2 wt.%, such as between 0.04 and 2.8 wt.%, such as between 0.04 and 2.4 wt.%, such as between 0.04 and 2 wt.%, such as between 0.05 and 1.5 wt.%, such as between 0.04 and 1.2 wt.% BC powder, such as between 0.1 and 2 wt% BC powder.

67. The BC suspension according to any one of claims 55 to 66, wherein said BC suspension has a water holding capacity of at least 100 g water per g BC (g / g), such as at least 120 g / g, such as at least 130 g / g, such as at least 140 g / g, such as at least 150 g / g, such as at least 175 g / g, such as at least 200 g / g.

68. A method for preparing a BC suspension, said method comprising mixing the BC powder of any one of claims 39 to 51 with an aqueous solution, thereby obtaining a BC suspension comprising acetan.

69. The method according to claim 68, wherein the BC suspension is as defined in any one of claims 55 to 67.

70. The method according to any one of claims 68 to 69, the method comprising or consisting of the steps of: performing the method according to any one of claims 52 to 54, thereby obtaining the BC powder; and mixing the BC powder with an aqueous solution, thereby obtaining the BC suspension.

71. Use of the BC powder according to any one of claims 39 to 51 , of the composition according to any one of claims 27 or 72 to 81 , or of the BC suspension according to any one of claims 55 to 67 as a cosmetic product, a personal care product, a packaging product, a coating material, a strengthener, a film-forming agent, a thickener or a rheology-modifier, a stabiliser, a stabilizer, an emulsifier, a co-emulsifier, a sensorial enhancer, an SPF-boosting agent, an anti-wrinkle agent, and / or as a reinforcer material.

72. A composition comprising: the processed BC suspension according to any one of claims 1 to 16; the BC powder according to any one of claims 39 to 51 ; or the BC suspension according to any one of claims 55 to 67.

73. The composition according to claim 72, wherein the concentration of BC powder in said composition is between 0.01 and 3 wt.%, such as between 0.02 and 3 wt.%, such as between 0.03 and 2.5 wt.%, such as between 0.04 and 2 wt.%, preferably between 0.1 and 2 wt.%.

74. The composition according to any one of claims 72 to 73, wherein said composition further comprises one or more ingredients selected from the group consisting of proteins, vitamins, peptides, beads, salts, oils, particles, humectants, pH adjusters, pH buffers, preservatives, silicones, antioxidants, disinfectants, antimicrobials, emollients, chelating agents, colorants, fragrances, solvents and surfactants.

75. The composition according to claim 74, wherein: a. the surfactant is as defined in claim 63; b. the salt is as defined in claim 63; c. the particle is as defined in any one of claims 60 to 61 ; and / or d. the oil is paraffin and / or jojoba oil.

76. The composition according to any one of claims 72 to 75, wherein the composition: a. is stable; b. is smooth; c. does not clump; d. does not flocculate; and / or e. does not exhibit water-cellulose separation, after at least 3 months of storage, such as after at least 4 months of storage, such as after at least 6 months of storage, such as after at least 1 year of storage.

77. The composition according to any one of claims 72 to 76, wherein said composition does not comprise any additional thickener, stabilizer, and / or rheology modifier, optionally wherein said composition does not comprise any additional polymeric thickener, such as a natural polymer, such as for example carboxymethyl cellulose or hydroxyethyl cellulose, and / or natural gums, for example xanthan gum, alginates, gellan gum, diutan gum, welan gum, rhamsan gum, carrageenan, guar gum, agar, gum arabic, gum ghatti, karaya gum, gum tragacanth, tamarind gum, or locust bean gum.

78. The composition according to any one of claims 72 to 77, wherein the composition is aqueous.

79. The composition according to any one of claims 72 to 78, wherein the composition comprises a polyol, such as glycerol, or propane diol.

80. A composition comprising: b. the BC powder according to any one of claims 39 to 51 ;c. water; and d. a quaternary ammonium compound (QLIAT), such as a polyquat; optionally wherein the concentration of BC powder is between 0.05 and 3 wt.%, for example between 0.1 and 1 wt.%, further optionally wherein the concentration of QLIAT is between 2 and 20 wt.%, such as between 5 and 15 wt.%.

81. A composition comprising: a. 0.01 to 3 wt.% of resuspended BC powder, wherein the BC powder is the BC powder according to any one of claims 39 to 51 ; b. 60 to 90 wt.% water; c. 1 to 10 wt.% glycerine; and d. 5 to 20 wt.% surfactant; optionally wherein the composition further comprises preservative and / or buffer.

82. A product comprising: a. the processed BC suspension according to any one of claims 1 to 16; b. the BC powder according to any one of claims 39 to 51 ; or c. the BC suspension according to any one of claims 55 to 67; or d. the composition according to any one of claims 72 to 81.

83. The product according to claim 82, wherein said product is selected from the group consisting of personal care products, cosmetic products, pharmaceutical products, biomedical products, and food products.

84. The product according to claim 83, wherein: a. the cosmetic product is selected from the group consisting of lipstick, mascara, foundation, highlighter, primer, concealer and nail polish and / or b. the personal care product is selected from the group consisting of cream, lotion, gel, oil, foam, balm, pomade, moisturizer, serum, soap, detergent and scrub, for example wherein the product is facial cleanser, toothpaste, sunscreen, sunblock, shampoo, hair conditioner, hair oil, body lotion, body wash, shower gel, lip balm, shaving cream, shavinggel, deodorant, hand soap, eye cream, eye serum, face cream, antiwrinkle cream and hand cream.

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