Bacterial cellulose (BC) is one of natural biopolymers which can be derivatized to make functionalized materials. Carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) is a candidate derivative for such a direction. The aim of the present study is to investigate the usability of microwave energy to transform BC into CMC. The results showed that CMC was produced in a yellowish white powder by a short irradiation for 30 s at 650 W. The best combination of monochloroacetic acid and BC as anhydrogucose unit was found at the molar ratio of 1:5. The obtained CMC is soluble in distilled water, and aqueous NaOH solution. The highest degree of substitution, viscosity, and molecular weight of the CMC are 0.263, 15.61 Pas and 197,187, respectively. This study showed the usefulness of the microwave-assisted reaction to transform BC rapidly into water-soluble ionized derivative.
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