4. Conclusions
The use of bacterial cellulose as a cryoprotectant and an
immobilization support for probiotic lactic acid bacteria is a novel
concept and this work has highlighted its potential. Such immobilized
lactic acid bacteria also provides a very good source of
dietary fiber when directly used in fermented milks. Bacterial
cellulose in the form of nata is virtually indigestible and therein lies
its importance. Apart from lactic acid fermentations, bacterial
cellulose can also be used in other fermentations like acetic acid
fermentation as an inert support for the second step of vinegar
production viz., ethanol conversion into acetic acid. Efforts are
underway in our lab to closely pack columns with Acetobacter aceti
immobilized bacterial cellulose to increase the surface area during
this highly aerobic step of vinegar fermentation.