Bacterial cellulose production by Komagataeibacter hansenii utilizing agro-industrial residues and its application in coffee milk stabilization

The leitmotif of this study is the techno-economic feasibility of bacterial cellulose (BC) production supplementing low value-added agro-industrial residues as nitrogen source. BC production from Komagataeibacter hansenii NBRC 14,816 was evaluated using different agro-industrial residues, process parameters, characterization, and application as a beverage stabilizer. Maximal BC yield of 1.69 g/L was achieved with glycerol–sesame seed meal hydrolysate (SSM) medium. The economic viability of glycerol–SSM medium was validated by higher economic yield (EY) and economic productivity (EP) values against control. S/V ratio, media volume, and C/N ratio process parameters were optimized to maximize output. Porous nanostructure network, high crystallinity index, and good thermal stability similar to cellulose were evinced from characterization studies. Conformance of BC and cellulose was validated by C–O, C = O, peaks, and C–H stretching from ATR-FTIR analysis. The role of BC as a stabilizer was endorsed by decreased flocculation, sedimentation, and increased stability of milk coffee. Thus, for the first time, high EY and EP of the glycerol–SSM medium versus the standard Hestrin Shramm (HS)–glycerol medium have been demonstrated. Therefore, this study has successfully addressed the cost of raw materials, a primary limiting factor in BC production, via the valorization potential of agro-industrial wastes and endorsed BC as a viable alternative to plant-based cellulose.