ABSTRACT
The purpose of this study was to utilize low quality date syrup, a rich and available source of nutrient in Iran, for the production of bacterial cellulose using Gluconacetobacter xylinus. Static batch fermentation for the purpose of cellulose production by G. xylinus [PTCC, 1734] was studied using low quality date syrup and sucrose solution [Bx. 10%] as fermentation media at 28°C. Results showed that maximum yields of bacterial cellulose after 336 h fermentation were 4.35 and 1.69 g/100 ml of date syrup and sucrose media, respectively. The FT-IR spectrum of commercial plant cellulose as a standard was similar to that of bacterial cellulose. To determine the physical structure of the bacterial cellulose and standard cellulose fibers, scanning electron microscopy [SEM] was carried out. The results revealed more delicacy in structure of bacterial cellulose. Determination of crystallinity of the samples using X-ray diffractometry demonstrated that the crystallinity level of standard cellulose [83.61%] was more than that of bacterial cellulose [60.73%]. This study obviously showed the ability of low quality date syrup, a suitable and cheap carbon source, to be used as a substrate in a fermentation medium for production of cellulose by Gluconacetobacter xylinus