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.

Classes:

Major Concepts in Biology (BIO 105)
General Microbiology (BIO 481)
General Microbiology Lab (BIO 481L)
Internship in Biology (Bio 497)
Biology Seminar (BIO 498)
Advanced Topics in Microbiology (BIO 509)
Virology (BIO 583)
Immunology (BIO 584)
Seminar in Microbiology (BIO 608)

Contact:

441 Eberhart Building
(336) 256-0071