Effect of Different Fruit Juice Media on Bacterial Cellulose Production by Acinetobacter sp. BAN1 and Acetobacter pasteurianus PW1

Aim: To produce Bacteria Cellulose (BC) using Fruit juice with high sugar contents as the substrate for production.

Study Design: The effect of different fruit juice on BC production by Acinetobacter sp. BAN1 and Acetobacter pasteurianus PW1 and Characterization of the BC was investigated. This research was carried out in the Department of Microbiology University of Ibadan, Nigeria.

Methodology: Two bacteria Acinetobacter sp. BAN1 and Acetobacter pasteurianus PW1 were obtained from stock culture. Pineapple, Pawpaw and Watermelon fruit juice media were prepared and used for the production of BC by isolation. The BC produced was characterized.

Results: Two BC producers were selected for BC production using different fruit juice media, Pineapple juice medium (PIJM), Pawpaw juice medium (PAJM) and Watermelon juice medium (WMJM). The dry weight of the BC produced by Acinetobacter sp. BAN1 and Acetobacter pasteurianus PW1 ranged from 0.3 – 6.4 g/l and 0.1 – 7.7 g/l. PAJM supported the highest BC production. FTIR spectrum of the produced BC indicates the presence ofbonds that connect the glucose monomers into a polymer also the presence of carbonyl groups and hydroxyl groups. Conclusion: The study has shown that the setected cellulose producing strains can utilize the nutrients and sugars in the fruits for production of BC.