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I prefer using fruit as opposed to juices, syrups or purees like many others. It's a flavor difference for me.

Looks good - one of my projects for this summer. Will certainly reach out if I have any questions!f

Please do! It's a really rewarding thing to do, it's part of what keeps me doing it!

I am a Synthetic Biologist and I am really interested in the scoby and what uses it could have on an industrial scale. Love it!!!

I've personally seen pictures of massive scobies from people brewing it commercially. I know people dry them to make a leather, those would be great for giant pieces instead of the small pieces people have to stitch together.

^ that is exactly what I am talking about. I am interested in engineering the yeasts and bacteria to make leather like material with different properties.
I have seen some BIG scobies.

Indeed. Sounds like you need to get in contact with a commercial manufacturer like GT

Fruit is great but you have to keep it refrigerated or else it turns straight into vinegar (literally, fructose to vinegar). Even in the fridge after a couple of days you get a slight vinny flavor. I prefer using freeze dried fruits for this reason, which helps a lot. Also, flavoring extracts work well (terps!! mmm).