Mesquite (Prosopis juliflora (Sw.)) Extract is an Alternative Nutrient Source for Bacterial Cellulose Production

摘要

Bacterial cellulose (BC) is a naturally occurring, nanoscale biomaterial with a high purity grade and excellent physical and chemical properties. There are several natural, renewable sugar-rich sources and byproducts that function as potential fermentative media in order to replace the synthetic medium that is used in BC production. In this study, mesquite pod extract was evaluated as an alternative fermentation medium for the production of bacterial cellulose using Gluconobacter hansenii ATCC 23769 fermentation. Initially, we characterized the total sugar content, pH, nitrogen content, and soluble solids of mesquite pod extract. We also evaluated the bacterial cellulose yields in relation to the various culture conditions while the initial concentration of sugars, pH and supplementary nitrogen sources were being analyzed. Highest cellulose yield was obtained at 30 g.L-1 carbohydrate concentration, pH 4.0 and additional yeast extract content of 10 g.L-1). Therefore, it is possible to produce BC using a fermentative medium from an agroindustrial source and achieve a better mass production in comparison to those generated with a synthetic medium.