A mutation and enrichment strategy is described that allows the isolation of Acetobacter xylinum mutant strains which are restricted in (keto)gluconate synthesis and produce cellulose more efficiently, even under oxidative conditions. Acetobacter xylinum mutant strains obtained in this way may be very useful in the study of cellulose (over)synthesis and (keto)gluconate metabolism in Acetobacter xylinum, as well as in the improvement of bacterial cellulose fermentation processes.