 Research:
We study Acetobacter xylinum, a Gram-negative soil bacterium that synthesizes cellulose, the earth's most abundant natural polymer. Lines of investigation include: microbial/molecular genetics, microbial ecology, and textile application of bacterial cellulose. The genetics studies involve isolation of mutants and their characterization along with physical mapping studies using pulsed-field gel electrophoresis technology. We are also studying the bacterial cellulose as a potential raw material for textile products in the dehumidification and ultraviolet light protection markets. |
Recent Publications:
Cannon, R.E. 2000. Acetobacter xylinum-Biotechnology and food technology. In Electrotransformation of Bacteria: Springer Lab Manual. N. Eynard & J. Teissie (eds.) Springer-Verlag, Germany, in press.
Skinner, P.O. & R.E. Cannon. 2000. Acetobacter xylinum, an inquiry into cellulose biosynthesis. The American Biology Teacher 62:442-444. |
