Semi-continuous bacterial cellulose production in a rotating disk bioreactor and its materials properties analysis

Shin Ping Lin, Shu Chen Hsieh, Kuan I. Chen, Ali Demirci, Kuan Chen Cheng

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

42 Scopus citations

Abstract

A rotating disk bioreactor with plastic composite support (PCS) as the solid support was evaluated for bacterial cellulose (BCel) production. Results demonstrated that BCel can be produced in a semi-continuous manner. The BCel productivity reached around 0.24 g/L/day and can be sustained for at least five consecutive runs. Scanning electron microscopy results confirmed that Gluconacetobacter can attach on the PCS surface, which eliminates the need of reinoculation. X-ray diffraction patterns and mechanical analysis of BCel produced from this semi-continuous process exhibited lower crystallinity (66.9 %) and mechanical property (Young's modulus of 372.5 MPa) when compared with the BCel obtained from static culture (crystallinity = 88.7 %, Young's modulus of 3,955.6 MPa). Both BCel samples possessed similar water content (98.66 vs. 99.04 %) and thermostability (around 346 °C). In conclusion, the PCS rotating disk bioreactor system can be used to produce BCel in pellicle form with enhanced productivity and, meanwhile, can be scaled up easily to meet commercial need.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)835-844
Number of pages10
JournalCellulose
Volume21
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Feb 2014

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Polymers and Plastics

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