Influence of SCOBY Microorganisms' Cultivation Conditions on the Synthesis Efficiency and Selected Qualities of Bacterial Cellulose

Abstract

This study examined how nutrients present in the growth environment of microorganisms forming a consortium of bacteria and yeasts, called a symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast (SCOBY), affect the efficiency of cellulose synthesis and selected properties of the cellulose, such as gloss and color. The results showed that nitrogen-rich ingredients, such as peptone and green tea, increased the efficiency of polymer synthesis and determined the cellulose's gloss. This research showed that the qualitative characteristics of bacterial cellulose can be easily modified by the appropriate selection of the components of the culture media.