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To improve bacterial cellulose (BC) applications, researchers have expanded their efforts with BC productivity and its properties. The objectives of this study are to evaluate the possibility and efficacy of using extracted date syrup as a carbon source for Acetobacter xylinum 0416 in BC production in a static culture. The sugar content of extracted date syrup was identified by HPLC. Different concentrations of dates and different culturing times were tested. The produced BCs were characterized and their respective properties were compared with a BC produced from Hestrin and Schramm (HS) medium. The most effective BC amount was attained with 3% (w/v) date in the medium on day 8. The modified HS medium (DHS) increased production by 68% (P < 0.05). Morphological analysis by scanning electron microscopy revealed more disorganized arrangements in BC fiber obtained from DHS medium (BC-DHS) than that from HS medium (BC-HS). Thermogravimetric analysis revealed no significant changes in BC-DHS thermostability compared to BC-HS. However, the crystallinity of BC-DHS improved (P < 0.05). The results of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy demonstrated that the carbonyl group in BC-DHS is more active than that of BC-HS. Furthermore, the properties of BC-DHS showed excellent potential for use in many applications.

The impregnation of nanoclay with TiO 2 was carried out by new and fast method. Nanoclay was submitted only to a single step molten salt process. Scanning electron microscopy showed that TiO 2 nanoparticles precipitated over the nanoclay surface after treatment. Structural characterisation of nanocomposite by X-ray diffraction displayed the change of basal peak after even 1 min process at both temperatures. UV-visible spectroscopy showed the presence of TiO 2. However, the band gap was not affected by process temperature and time. XRF graphs revealed that by increasing temperature and time of the molten salt process, the amount of loaded titanium dioxide on the nanoclays was enhanced. Through this quick process, an inexpensive nanocomposite with properties comparable with those from more elaborate processes is produced.