Analysis of the Characteristics of Cellulose Films Generated by Black Organic Tea Kombucha Utilizing Various Carbon Sources

Abstract The aim of this study was to evaluate the production of microbial cellulose films (MCFs) in culture media based on Black Organic Tea Kombucha and different carbon sources, using two microbial consortia KN and KD. It highlights the importance of biodegradable materials in light of environmental concerns. The study investigates how microbial strain composition and carbon sources affect MCF properties, focusing on the production efficiency of two microbial consortia using different carbon sources. The objective is to advance sustainable biomaterial development in Vietnam by using kombucha fermentation by-products and encouraging collaboration between consumers and material scientists. The microbial consortia KD and KN produced MCFs with a homogeneous, thick appearance, slight flexibility, and the characteristic brown color of the fermentation medium. The highest yields for KD were 10.2 (g/l) and 0.49 (g/l) (fructose), and were 8.9 (g/l) and 0.32 (g/l) (sucrose) for KN on a wet and dry basis, respectively. This research aims to contribute to waste reduction and the advancement of biomaterials in Vietnam. Keywords: Microbial cellulose films (MCFs), SCOBY, Kombucha, Biomaterials, fermentation