Production and Characterization of a Novel Extracellular Polysaccharide Produced by Paenibacillus velaei, Sp. Nov

Paenibacillus velaei, sp. nov. is a soil bacterium capable of producing an unusually large amount of exopolysaccharide (EPS). The EPS contains glucose, mannose, galactose and fucose in a molar ratio of 4:2:1:1. The molecular weight of the EPS is higher than 2x106. The viscosity of 1% EPS is 1300 cP when measured at a shear rate of 1 sec-1. Physiological parameters for optimal production of the EPS were studied and it was found that 1.4 g dry weight per 1 l of medium was produced when the bacteria were grown at 30EC and the pH adjusted at 7± 0.2 in a medium containing glucose as the carbon source. Growing the bacteria on different carbon sources did not alter the quantity or the composition of the EPS produced. No toxicity effects were observed in mice or rats when EPS was administered in amounts ranging from 20 to 200 mg per kg body weight. The data obtained from physical, chemical and biological properties suggest that the EPS may be employed in several industrial and environmental applications. It is an excellent emulsifier, it holds 100 times its own weight in water, it is not toxic, and it can be used to remove mercury, cadmium and lead from aqueous solutions.

Grantor dc:publisher

University of North Texas

Year dc:date

2000

Author dc:creator

• Sukplang, Patamaporn

Contributors dc:contributor

• Vela, G. Roland, 1927-
• O'Donovan, Gerard A.
• Farinha, Mark A.
• Golden, Teresa D.
• Shanley, Mark S.

• Microbial exopolysaccharides.
• exopolysaccharide
• EPS
• glucose
• novel polysaccaride

Statement dc:rights

• Use restricted to UNT Community
• Copyright
• Sukplang, Patamaporn
• Copyright is held by the author, unless otherwise noted. All rights reserved.

Language dc:language

English

Identifier

oclc: 49760322
untcat: b2369641
https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc2551/
ark: ark:/67531/metadc2551

OAI identifier oai:identifier

info:ark/67531/metadc2551