Publications by authors named "Konstantina Kourmentza"

Background: The main challenge for large-scale production of bacterial cellulose (BC) includes high production costs interlinked with raw materials, and low production rates. The valorization of renewable nutrient sources could improve the economic effectiveness of BC fermentation while their direct bioconversion into sustainable biopolymers addresses environmental pollution and/or resource depletion challenges. Herein a green bioprocess was developed to produce BC in high amounts with the rather unexplored bacterial strain Komagataeibacter rhaeticus, using waste streams such as wine distillery effluents (WDE) and biodiesel-derived glycerol.

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A novel Komagataeibacter rhaeticus UNIWA AAK2 strain was used to produce bacterial cellulose (BC), valorizing brewers' spent grain (BSG) and brewer's spent yeast (BSY). Under optimal conditions (controlled pH = 6 and 30 g/L sugars), a maximum BC of 4.0 g/L was achieved when BSG aqueous extract (BSGE) was used.

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Lipopeptide biosurfactants produced by sp. were assessed regarding their antimicrobial activity against foodborne pathogenic and food spoilage microorganisms. Both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria were found not to be susceptible to these lipopeptides.

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Synopsis of recent research by authors named "Konstantina Kourmentza"

  • - Konstantina Kourmentza's recent research focuses on the development of sustainable bioprocesses for producing bacterial cellulose (BC), utilizing waste streams from industries such as wine distilleries and biodiesel production to enhance economic viability and address environmental issues.
  • - The studies showcase the successful use of a newly isolated strain, Komagataeibacter rhaeticus, to convert underutilized brewing by-products, like spent grain and yeast, into BC, achieving notable production under optimized conditions.
  • - Additionally, Kourmentza investigates the antimicrobial properties of lipopeptide biosurfactants, revealing their limited effectiveness against a range of foodborne pathogens and spoilage microorganisms, indicating potential applications in food safety.