The effect of pH, sucrose and ammonium sulphate concentrations on the production of bacterial cellulose (Nata-de-coco) by Acetobacter xylinum

Abstract

The effect of pH, sucrose and ammonium sulphate concentrations on the production of nata-de-coco, a form of bacterial cellulose, by Acetobacter xylinum was studied. Comparisons for physical properties like thickness, wet weight, water-holding capacity (WHC), moisture content and hardness, a textural parameter were done on nata-de-coco grown in tender coconut water medium supplemented with varying concentrations of sucrose and ammonium sulphate at different pH values. The results were analysed by fitting a second-order polynomial regression equation. Response surface methodology was used to study the effect of the three variables. The study showed that A. xylinum could effectively use sucrose as the sole carbon source in coconut water medium and that cellulose production was more dependent on pH than either sucrose or ammonium sulphate concentrations. Maximum thickness of nata was obtained at pH 4.0 with 10% sucrose and 0.5% ammonium sulphate concentrations. These conditions also produced good quality nata-de-coco with a smooth surface and soft chewy texture. The study will enable efficient utilization of coconut water, a hitherto wasted byproduct of coconut industry and will also provide a new product dimension to the aggrieved coconut farmers who are not getting the right price for their product.

Monitoring the Effect of pH on Bacterial Cellulose Production and Acetobacter xylinum 0416 Growth in a Rotary Discs Reactor

“…Although A. xylinum 0416 is an acidophilic bacterium, previous studies had demonstrated that too acidic environment (below pH 4.0) can inhibit the bacterial growth and thus end up with lower bacterial cellulose production [5,18]. Similar result was reported by Jagannath who found that bacterial cellulose was absent at pH 3.5 even after 20 days of fermentation [24].…”

Comparative evaluation of bacterial cellulose (nata) as a cryoprotectant and carrier support during the freeze drying process of probiotic lactic acid bacteria

“…Nata or bacterial cellulose was prepared as described in our earlier paper (Jagannath, Kalaiselvan, Manjunatha, Raju, & Bawa, 2008;Jagannath, Manjunatha, Ravi, & Raju, in press). A. xylinum (NCIM 2526) culture obtained from National Collection of Industrial Microorganisms (NCIM), National Chemical Laboratory, Pune India was grown under static conditions in modified Hestrin and Schramm medium (Hestrin & Schramm, 1954).…”

EFFECTS OF AGITATION CONDITIONS ON BACTERIAL CELLULOSE PRODUCTION BY Acetobacter xylinum 0416 IN FERMENTATION OF MATURED COCONUT WATER MEDIUM

“…In coconut water medium, acetic acid was used to bring down the pH as it had a better effect on Acetobacter xylinum 0416 growth compared to other acids [12]. The acetic acid was broken down to carbon dioxide and water which allow more energy generated by bacteria.…”