Optimization of culture conditions for bacterial cellulose production from Gluconacetobacter hansenii UAC09

Fermentation conditions for the production of bacterial cellulose (BC) by a newly isolated Gluconacetobacter hansenii UAC09 were optimized. The effect of various carbon and nitrogen sources on production of BC was determined. The addition of ethanol (1.5%) and acetic acid (1.0%) enhanced BC production by more than three times compared to standard Hestrin and Schramm medium. The strain was able to produce maximum BC (7.40 g 1(-1)) with 4% glucose, 8% corn steep liquor (CSL) at 27 +/- 1 degrees C and a pH of 5.5 under stationary conditions. The BC films produced under various conditions were tested for their structural similarity using Fourier transform-infra red analysis and were found to be similar to each other irrespective of medium composition. Scanning electron microscopy images of BC revealed a porous structure with extensively interwoven microfibrils.