Norasila Kasim ¹, Norliza ABD Rahman ¹

Affiliations
1 Department of Chemical & Process Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600 UKM Bangi, Selangor, MY

Abstract

Background/Objectives: This research aims to design a bioreactor control system for the production of biocellulose from fermented matured coconut water using Acetobacter xylinum. Methods/Statistical Analysis: The parameters for this research include pH, volume and concentration of glucose in the medium within a nine-day productivity of fermentation and incubated at static condition in 250 ml of conical flask. Findings: Based on the research, the productivity of biocellulose increases with the volume of the medium and the concentration of glucose in the medium decrease with time. The best pH value for producing biocellulose was pH 4.5 and pH decrease with time. Based on the stoichiometric equation, glucose was the limited reactant and degree of freedom is two. The controlled manipulated variable for this research was volume of the medium and pH level. A set of fermenter with controller produced higher productivity than a set of fermenter without controller. The average dry weight of biocellulose produced was 2.46 g at pH 4.5 and 30°C. Application/Improvements: Therefore, the fermentation process with the control system is more efficient with biocellulose production of 69.65% compare to that without controller system.

Keywords

Acetobacter xylinum, Biocellulose, Control System, Fermenter, Matured Coconut Water.

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