Properties and aerogel applications of a marine algal origin biocellulose produced by the immobilized Gluconacetobacter xylinus ATCC 10245

Abstract

Algae are known to produce biomass faster as compared with lignocellulosic biomass. BC was produced by using reducing sugar from algae as a cheaper carbon source. The effect of immobilization on the production of biocellulose(BC) by Gluconacetobacter xylinus ATCC 10245 was studied. The BC production of all entrapped cultures within different gel materials was lower than that of free cell cultures but the entrapped G. xylinus cells in alginate beads recorded the highest BC productivity (12.5 g/l). The adsorption of G. xylinus cells on luffa pulp (LP) and ceramics particles (CP) gave the highest BC production (14.5 g/l), which represents increasing of 1.14 and 1.05- fold, respectively from the free cells. This attempt clarified that LP was the best immobilizing support as it gave the highest BC production. The effect of repeated reuse of LP was confirmed. Different physical properties of BC including; pH, water absorption capacity, dissolving in several solvents, and chemicals were determined. Observation of BC through SEM analysis showed the fine cellulose ribbons (fibrils). The crystallinity for the BC produced from X-ray diffraction (XRD) spectra was 84%. Upon the applicable level, the BC aerogel was formed to be applied in rising up the water and oil absorption capability by developing its hydrophilic properties. Data introduced strong affinities to the motor, olive, and cooking oils with high oil uptake contents of 7.5, 5.2, and 3.7 gg−1, respectively. Moreover, the BC aerogel exhibited potential adsorption for different heavy metal ions Pb2+, Cd2+, and Cu2+. The highest capability of Cd2+ removal was 95.7% at pH 6. The biodegrability of our produced BC and then its safety was proven.