Bacterial cellulose nitrogen sources

A. xylinum has been applied as model microorganism for basic and applied studies on cellulose. It is most commonly studied source of bacterial cellulose because of its ability to produce relatively high levels of polymer from a wide range of carbon and nitrogen sources [5]. 

The fermentation medium contains carbon, nitrogen and other macro- and micronutrients required for the growth of organism. Secretion of bacterial cellulose is usually most noticeable when the bacteria are supplied with an abundant carbon source and minimal nitrogen source [13]. Some authors uses a complex medium supplying amino acids and vitamins is also used to enhance the cell growth and production. 

Nitrogen is a main component of proteins necessary in cell metabolism, and comprises 8-14 % of the dry cell mass of bacteria. The effect of various nitrogen sources on the production of bacterial cellulose has been reported casein hydro-lyzate gave yield of 5 g/L, and peptone gave yield of 4.8 g/L of cellulose in A. xylinum [13]. The addition of extra nitrogen favours the biomass production, but diminishes cellulose pr oduction. 

Additives could be used as cheap ways of increasing cellulose production. Together with appropriate carbon and nitrogen sources and culture conditions, combinations of additives may maximize bacterial cellulose production, and be useful for commercial applications. 

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