Exploring the Impact of Sugar Type and Concentration on Bacterial Nanocellulose Production by Komagataeibacter saccharivorans Using Sapodilla as a Substrate

Bacterial nanocellulose (BNC), a biopolymer with exceptional physicochemical properties, has transformative potential in sustainable material applications. This study investigated the impact of sugar type (glucose, fructose, sucrose) and concentration (1%, 2%, 3% w/v) on BNC production by Komagataeibacter saccharivorans using sapodilla (Manilkara zapota) as a substrate. Employing a factorial randomized block design, the study assessed BNC yield, pH variations, residual sugar levels, and structural properties using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Results revealed glucose at 1% concentration as the optimal carbon source, achieving the highest BNC yield (0.0081 g/g). Higher sugar concentrations inhibit BNC production, likely due to osmotic stress. The residual sugar analysis indicated uniform consumption across sugar types, reflecting comparable metabolic processing. Fermentation reduced medium pH due to organic acid production, with glucose exhibiting the lowest post-fermentation pH (4.90). FTIR and XRD analyses confirmed the production of crystalline BNCs with characteristic functional groups. The statistical analyses highlighted significant effects of sugar type and concentration on yield and pH, but not on residual sugar. These findings demonstrate the metabolic efficiency of K. saccharivorans in using sapodilla-derived sugars and optimizing conditions for eco-friendly BNC production.