P3: Semi-continuous bacterial cellulose production in a rotating disk pcs bioreactor

In this study, a rotating disk bioreactor with plastic composite support (PCS) was evaluated for semi-continuous BC production by Acetobacter xylinum ATCC 700178. The results demonstrate that PCS as solid support features high potential for semi-continuous production of BC. BC productivity was  approximately 2.58 mg/cm²/day for at least five consecutive runs. Scanning electron microscopy results confirm that bacteria can attach on the PCS surface, eliminating  the need for reinoculation. X-ray diffraction patterns and mechanical analysis of BC produced from the semi-continuous process exhibit slower crystallinity (66.9 %) and mechanical property (Young’s modulus of 372.5 MPa) compared to the BC obtained from static culture (crystallinity= 88.7 %, Young’s modulus of 3955.6 MPa). Both BC samples possess similar water content (98.66% vs. 99.04%).Our experiments reveal the potential of PCS rotating disk bioreactor system for enhanced productivity and scaled-up commercial production of BC pellicle.