Statistical optimisation of culture conditions for biocellulose production by Komagataeibacter sp. PAP1 using soya bean whey

A low-cost medium based on soya bean whey (SBW) was prepared as a by-product from agriculture and optimised for biocellulose (BC) production by Komagataeibacter sp. PAP1. The optimal conditions for BC production are: pH 6.21, 1.61% ethanol concentration (v/v) and 28.4 o C. The use of optimised medium based on SBW increased BC production 3.6 fold compared to standard Hestrin-Schramm (HS) medium. The BC film produced from the optimised medium was stronger and more impermeable to water vapour and oxygen compared to the one produced from the standard HS medium. These properties allow SBW film to be developed into eco-friendly food packaging for oxygen-sensitive products. Its high water absorption capacity allows its use in biomedical application such as wound dressing. Our results demonstrate that SBW can be used as an alternative low-cost substrate for BC production on commercial scale.