Production of bacterial nanocellulose through sustainable culture media

• Grant number: 18/10235-9
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: February 01, 2019
• End date: July 31, 2019
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Biochemistry - Metabolism and Bioenergetics
• Principal Investigator: Alcides Lopes Leao
• Grantee: Jéssyca de Araújo Borro
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Ciências Agronômicas (FCA). Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de Botucatu. Botucatu , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Bacterial cellulose (BC) produced by biosynthetic pathways of microorganisms, such as the bacteria Gluconacetobacter xylinus. The BC is considered chemically pure and non-toxic, besides having high porosity and mechanical resistance. The bacterium synthesizes the cellulose membranes through fermentation in a medium rich in carbon and nitrogen sources. Therefore, any agricultural waste that has these characteristics can serve as substrates for this process, which reduces production costs and may represent an alternative to disposal, thereby minimizing environmental impacts. Vinasse, a byproduct of ethanol manufacturing, is a rich residual liquid nitrate, potassium and organic matter. Due to these characteristics, vinasse, among other alternatives, can be used as a culture medium for bacterial cellulose. This project the object to develop bacterial cellulose produced from the bacteria Gluconacetobacter xylinus in sustainable culture media, such as vinasse.