EFFECTS OF OXYGEN-TENSION IN THE GASEOUS-PHASE ON PRODUCTION AND PHYSICAL-PROPERTIES OF BACTERIAL CELLULOSE FORMED UNDER STATIC CULTURE CONDITIONS

Acetobacter produces a gelatinous membrane composed of a cellulose network when grown in liquid culture under static conditions. The oxygen tension in the gaseous phase was found to have an effect on cellulose production and on the physical properties of the membrane. Cellulose production was higher at oxygen tensions of 10% and 15% than that under atmospheric conditions. In contrast, cell growth remained constant under a variety of oxygen tensions. Unexpectedly, the density of the cellulose network was found to be inversely proportional to the level of cellulose production by cells in the membrane through electron microscopic examination and other studies. It was concluded that this interesting phenomenon can be explained by our previously proposed model of BC network formation.