Effect of Culture Conditions on the Properties of Bacterial Cellulose Produced by Gluconacetobacter xylinus BTCC B796

Abstract

The objective of this work was to look at the effects of temperature and agitation on the properties of bacterial cellulose produced by Gluconacetobacter xylinus BTCC B796. Gluconacetobacter xylinus was grown in HS medium at 23, 25, 27, and 30 ^oC at static conditions for 7 days. Other experiment was carried out at room temperature at different degree of agitation, i.e.: 0, 50 rpm for 7 days. The strain was also grown at static condition at room temperature, and samples of cellulose produced were drawn after 4,7,10,14 days. The cellulose produced was analyzed for crystallinity index, cellulose morphology, tensile strength, water holding capacity (WHC), and rehydration ratio. Cellulose produced at lower temperature gave lower crystallinity index and tensile strength, but the WHC and the rehydration ratio were higher. Cellulose produced using agitation gave lower crystallinity index and tensile strength compared to static conditions but WHC and rehydration ratio were higher. Bacterial cellulose produced gave the highest crystallinity index and tensile strength at 7 days but then decreased with increasing fermentation time. Water Holding Capacity and rehydration ratio of bacterial cellulose increased after 7 days fermentation.