Published in Scientific Bulletin. Series F. Biotechnologies, Vol. XXIV
Written by Bogdan MATEI, Camelia Filofteia DIGUȚĂ, Florentina MATEI, Ovidiu POPA
During the process of the tea fermentation with Kombucha microbial consortium (SCOBY), due to the presence of acetic bacteria (Acetobacter, Gluconacetobacter) a cellulosic biopolymer is developing on the surface. On industrial level, generally, this is considered as a residue, but recent research proved that such waste can be used for different purposes in pharmaceutical and cosmetic industry as excipient or bandage on injured skin. In this context, we have conducted Kombucha fermentation on different tea sources (black tea, green tea, oolong tea and green tea added with Melissa officinalis). The polymers obtained after fermentation processes were dried under controlled conditions and tested for its antimicrobial activity on potential pathogenic microorganisms (Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, as well as on different Candida species). The highest quantity of polymer was obtained on Green tea supplemented with Melissa, followed by oolong tea, green tea and black tea. All polymers showed antibacterial activity on all Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, including on methicillin resistant S. aureus; highest antibacterial activity was registered in the case of oolong tea source, followed by green tea, green tea with Mellissa and black tea. No inhibitory activity was noticed in the case of Candida species.
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