Influence of Date Syrup as a Carbon Source on Bacterial Cellulose Production by Acetobacter xylinum 0416

To improve bacterial cellulose (BC) applications, researchers have expanded their efforts with BC productivity and its properties. The objectives of this study are to evaluate the possibility and efficacy of using extracted date syrup as a carbon source for Acetobacter xylinum 0416 in BC production in a static culture. The sugar content of extracted date syrup was identified by HPLC. Different concentrations of dates and different culturing times were tested. The produced BCs were characterized and their respective properties were compared with a BC produced from Hestrin and Schramm (HS) medium. The most effective BC amount was attained with 3% (w/v) date in the medium on day 8. The modified HS medium (DHS) increased production by 68% (P < 0.05). Morphological analysis by scanning electron microscopy revealed more disorganized arrangements in BC fiber obtained from DHS medium (BC‐DHS) than that from HS medium (BC‐HS). Thermogravimetric analysis revealed no significant changes in BC‐DHS thermostability compared to BC‐HS. However, the crystallinity of BC‐DHS improved (P < 0.05). The results of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy demonstrated that the carbonyl group in BC‐DHS is more active than that of BC‐HS. Furthermore, the properties of BC‐DHS showed excellent potential for use in many applications.