Optimizing the Production Process of Bacterial Nanocellulose: Impact on Growth and Bioactive Compounds

Research background. The field of research on bacterial cellulose production has been growing rapidly in recent years, with the potential for its use in various applications, such as in the medical and food industries. Previous studies have focused on optimizing the production process through various methods, such as using different carbon sources and manipulating environmental conditions. However, further research is still needed to optimise the production process and understand the underlying mechanisms of bacterial cellulose synthesis. Experimental approach. We have used Plackett-Burman and Box-Behnken experimental designs to analyse various factors impact on bacterial cellulose production. The optimized medium was analysed for fermentation kinetics, and the cellulose produced was characterised. This approach was used because it allows for the identification of significant factors impacting bacterial cellulose growth, the optimisation of the culture medium, and the characterisation of the produced cellulose. Results and conclusions. The results indicated that higher sucrose concentrations, higher kombucha levels, and lower symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast size were the most significant factors for improving bacterial cellulose production, while the others had no relevant impact. The optimized medium showed an increase in the concentration of total phenolic compounds and total flavonoids, as well as relevant levels of antioxidant activity. The pure bacterial cellulose produced showed high water absorption capacity, in addition to high crystallinity and thermal stability. Novelty and scientific contribution. The study makes a significant scientific contribution by optimizing the culture medium to produce bacterial cellulose in a more productive and efficient way. The optimized medium can be used for producing a kombucha-type drink containing a high content of bioactive compounds and the production of bacterial cellulose with high crystallinity and thermal stability. Additionally, the study highlights the potential of bacterial cellulose as a highly water-absorbing material with applications in areas such as packaging and biomedical engineering.