Bacterial cellulose biosynthesis using native microorganisms from a mixture of non-centrifugal sugars and apple juice

Bacterial cellulose (BC) is a biopolymer with numerous potential applications, although it is associated with considerable production costs of conventional culture media. In this study, BC biosynthesis was investigated using native microorganisms from a mixture of non-centrifugal sugars (NCS) and apple juice as a low-cost alternative substrate. Sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene identified Acetobacter persici and Bacillus sp. among principal species associated with cellulose biosynthesis. Both species were capable of BC production; however, their coexistence enabled sustained BC production in an NCS-based medium, replacing the conventional Hestrin–Schramm medium. Structural characterization confirmed the production of BC like that reported from other bacterial sources: an interconnected network of nanometric fibrils with a high degree of crystallinity characteristic of native cellulose I. The alkaline treatment eliminated the remaining biomass while keeping the fibrillar structure intact. The results demonstrate that NCS-based systems combined with native microbial populations can support efficient BC formation.