Effect of the essential oils addition on the rate of bacterial cellulose surface overgrowth by mold fungi

Abstract

Effect of the essential oils addition on the rate of bacterial cellulose surface overgrowth by mold fungi. The aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness of protecting films made of bacterial cellulose with essential oils against overgrowth by mold fungi. The cellulose film produced by microorganisms forming a pellicle called SCOBY was modified by introducing into the cellulose pulp essential oils: cinnamon and manuka. Samples of the protected film were treated with mold fungi: Chaetomium globosum, Aspergillus niger and Trichoderma viride. On the basis of the tests conducted, the rate of film overgrowth by mold fungi and the effectiveness criteria of cellulose film protection with essential oils were determined. The addition of cinnamon oil protected the film against the growth of Aspergillus niger and Chaetomium globosum fungi. Manuka oil slowed down the growth of Chaetomium globosum microorganisms on the surface of the bacterial cellulose film sample, but did not protect the samples from overgrowth. The essential oils tested were ineffective against the fungus Trichoderma viride.