The Characteristics of Acetobacter xylinum Membrane Affected by pH of Culture Medium

Abstract

There are numerous previous studies working on biosynthesis, properties and applications of bacterial cellulose (BC) membrane from Acetobacter xylinum bacteria strain. However, there is less research examining the effect of initial pH level on BC membrane properties. Here, BC membranes were produced at different pH level (concentration of acetic acid) of coconut water-based culture medium which are 3.5, 4.0, 4.5, 5.0 and 5.5 for 7 days, statically. The effect of initial pH level during BC production on morphology, physical and characteristics were investigated. The Acetobacter xylinum membrane were studied its crystallinity using X-ray diffraction, FTIR analysis for chemical structure and FESEM for morphological analysis. In addition, the different of initial pH level does affect the membrane yield and breathability properties using an Upright Cup Method of water vapour permeability testing. Although certain suitable amount of acid had reduced the production yield, a breathable BC membrane was produced.