Production of extracellular water insoluble β-1,3-glucan (curdlan) fromBacillus sp. SNC07

Optimization of curdlan production and ultrasound assisted extraction processes from Priestia megaterium

In this study, the upstream and downstream production processes of curdlan from Priestia megaterium were optimized to enhance its yield. Additionally, a novel extraction method was developed for curdlan recovery. Optimization studies were conducted using Central composite design (CCD). Curdlan yield improved from 0.15 g/L (unoptimized) to 0.46 g/L (3-fold increase) when fermentation was carried out in CCD-optimized media of (w/v) sucrose 20%, urea 0.1%, KH2PO4 0.02%, agitation speed 250 rpm. To further enhance curdlan yield during extraction, ultrasonication was incorporated as a novel step into the conventional method of acid/alkali-assisted curdlan recovery. A two-step optimization was chosen for extraction, namely, one-factor-at-a-time (OFAT) and CCD, wherein the optimized extraction parameters were determined to be 25 s sonication, 1 N NaOH, and 2 h solubilization time. The curdlan yield improved by 1.5-fold (0.70 g/L) post optimization, in comparison with unoptimized conventional extraction step. Finally, the biopolymer was validated through characterization by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) which showed characteristic curdlan spectra in the13C and1H NMR studies. To the best of our knowledge, this study represents the first documented report on curdlan extraction using this novel method of ultrasonication.

β-1,3-Glucan synthesis, novel supramolecular self-assembly, characterization and application

β-1,3-Glucans are ubiquitously observed in various biological systems with diverse physio-ecological functions, yet their underlying assembly mechanism and multiscale complexation in vitro remains poorly understood. Here, we provide for the first-time evidence of unidentified β-1,3-glucan supramolecular complexation into intricate hierarchical architectures over several length scales. We mediated these unique assemblies using a recombinantly produced β-1,3-glucan phosphorylase (Ta1,3BGP) by fine-tuning solution conditions during particle nucleation and growth. We report a synthesis of interconnected parallel hexagonal lamellae composed of 8 nm thick sheets of highly expanded paracrystals. The architecture consists of β-1,3-glucan triple-helices with considerable inter-intra hydrogen bonding within, as well as in between adjacent triple-helices. The results extend our understanding of β-1,3-glucan molecular organization and shed light on different aspects of the crystallization processes of biomolecules into structures unseen by nature. The presented versatile synthesis yields new materials for diverse medical and industrial applications.

Evaluating comparative β-glucan production aptitude of Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Aspergillus oryzae, Xanthomonas campestris, and Bacillus natto

β-glucan is a natural polysaccharide derivative composed of a group of glucose monomers with β-glycoside bonds that can be synthesized intra- or extra-cellular by various microorganisms such as yeasts, bacteria, and moulds. The study aimed to discover the potential of various microorganisms such as Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Aspergillus oryzae, Xanthomonas campestris, and Bacillus natto in producing β-glucan. The experimental method used and the data were analyzed descriptively. The four microorganisms above were cultured under a submerged state in Yeast glucose (YG) broth for 120 h at 30 °C with 200 rpm agitation. During the growth, several parameters were examined including total population by optical density, the pH, and glucose contents of growth media. β-glucan was extracted using acid-alkaline methods from the growth media then the weight was measured. The results showed that S. cerevisiae, A. oryzae X. campestris, and B. natto were prospective for β-glucans production in submerged fermentation up to 120 h. The highest β-glucans yield was shown by B. natto (20.38%) with the β-glucans mass of 1.345 ± 0.08 mg and globular diameter of 600 μm. The highest β-glucan mass was achieved by A. oryzae of 82.5 ± 0.03 mg with the total population in optical density of 0.1246, a final glucose level of 769 ppm, the pH of 6.67, and yield of 13.97% with a globular diameter of 1400 μm.

A comprehensive review on mutan (a mixed linkage of α-1-3 and α-1-6 glucans) from bacterial sources

Mutan is an extracellular sticky polymer having α-1-3 and α-1-6 glycosidic linkages with a large diversity in molecular weights and structures depending on the source. These compounds are reported to be highly thermostable and also have potential physiochemical and biological applications. The main aim of this review is to provide an overview of glucosyltransferases and their role in mutan synthesis. The production strategies and structural properties of bacterial mutans are discussed with a goal to improve production efficiency. The physicochemical features, chemical modifications, potential industrial applications and future prospects are also discussed. According to data, mutan and its derivatives will play a larger role in medicinal sectors and as thermoplastics in the near future.Abbreviations: ABTS: 2,2'-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulphonic acid; BHI: Brain heart infusion broth; ¹³C (HSQC) NMR: Heteronuclear Single Quantum Coherence NMR; CBMs: Carbohydrate binding modules; DPPH: 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl; FTIR: Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy; GC-MS: Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry; GPC: Gel permeation chromatography; Gtfs: Glucosyltransferases; ¹H (DQF-COSY): Double-quantum filtered correlation spectroscopy; HPAEC-PAD: High-performance anion exchange chromatography with pulsed amperometric detection; HPLC: High performance liquid chromatography; HPSEC-RI: High-performance size exclusive chromatography coupled with refractive index; HPSEC-MALLS: High-performance size exclusive chromatography with multi-angle laser light scattering detection; MALDI-TOF: Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization-Time of Flight mass spectrometry; M_w: Weight-average molecular weight; MWD: Molecular weight distribution; NMR: Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy; TEM: Transmission electron microscopy; THB: Todd Hewitt Broth; TTY: Tryticase tryptose yeast extract broth.

A review presenting production, characterization, and applications of biopolymer curdlan in food and pharmaceutical sectors

Curdlan is an exopolysaccharide, specifically a homopolysaccharide, with a high molecular weight that is made up entirely of monomeric glucose molecules connected by β-1,3-glycosidic bonds. Curdlan was first isolated in 1962 by Harada and his colleagues from Alcaligenes faecalis var myxogenes 10C3. Microbial synthesis of this curdlan is mainly associated with soil bacteria. Preliminary screening of curdlan-producing microorganisms is done on aniline blue media. The aniline blue positive microorganisms are subjected to submerged fermentation for the production of curdlan. To improve the yield of curdlan produced, various optimization techniques are employed such as Plackett–Burman, response surface methodology, and others. Curdlan can be characterized by its morphology, gel strength, its infrared, and magnetic resonances among many other characteristics. Due to its distinctive physicochemical and rheological properties, it has gained immense popularity in the food, biomedical, and pharmaceutical sectors. However, curdlan’s functionality can be improved by chemically modifying curdlan to obtain grafted curdlan, hydrogels, and nanocomposites which are discussed in detail herewith. Curdlan was authorized to be used in the food industry by the United States Food and Drug Administration in 1996 and also in 1989 in Taiwan, Japan, and Korea. Over the years, many patents using curdlan have also been filed from different parts of the world. This review provides information about its structure, biosynthesis, production strategies, optimization, characterization, applications, and patents.

Graphic abstract

Chemistry and microbial sources of curdlan with potential application and safety regulations as prebiotic in food and health

Curdlan - a homopolysaccharide is comprised of glucose using β-1,3-glycosidic bond and produced by different types of microorganisms as exopolysaccharide. Curdlan gel is stable during freezing and thawing processes which find several applications in food and pharmaceutical industries. It acts as a prebiotic, stabilizer and water-holding, viscosifying and texturing agent. Additionally, curdlan gel is used as a food factor to develop the new products e.g. milk fat substitute, non-fat whipped cream, retorting (freeze-drying) process of Tofu, low-fat sausage, and low-fat hamburger. However, a great variation exists among different countries regarding the regulatory aspects of curdlan as food additives, dietary components or prebiotic substances. Therefore, the present review paper aims to discuss safety issues and the establishment of common guidelines and legislation globally, focusing on the use the applications of curdlan in the food sector including the development of noodles, meat-based products, and fat-free dairy products. This review analyzes and describes in detail the potential of curdlan as a sustainable alternative additive in health and food industries, emphasizing on the chemical composition, production, properties, and potential applications.

Effect of polysaccharide from Bacillus subtilis sp. on cardiovascular diseases and atherogenic indices in diabetic rats

BACKGROUND

Diabetes mellitus induces chronic complications such as cardiovascular damage, cataracts and retinopathy, nephropathy, and polyneuropathy. The main aim of the study was to isolate and identify both of bacterial strain and exopolysaccharide to assess the possible efficiency of exopolysaccharide (BSEPS) from Bacillus subtilus sp .suppress on cardiovascular diseases, atherogenic and coronary risk indices in diabetic rats.

METHODS

The bacterial strain used was isolated from mangrove tree sediment by serial dilution and the spread-plate technique and identified by morphological, physiological, and biochemical characteristics, and by 16S rRNA analysis. The BSEPS was extracted from the bacterial supernatant by four volumes child ethanol then the functional groups, MW and chemical analysis were detected by Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR), gel permeation chromatograph (GPC) and High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Also an antioxidant activity was measured by using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH). Thirty-two male Sprague-Dawley rats were equally randomized into four groups: control group supplemented with normal saline (Group I); the second group supplemented with BSEPS (Group II); diabetic group supplemented with normal saline (Group III) and the diabetic group supplemented with BSEPS (Group IV). Diabetes was induced by Streptozotocin (STZ) (65 mg/kg BW) intraperitoneally. BSEPS (100 mg/kg BW) was administered orally for four weeks, following STZ induction.

RESULTS

The isolated strain was identified based on 16S rRNA sequence as Bacillus subtilis sp. suppress. A preliminary chemical analysis of BSEPS indicated that the monosaccharides were mannuronic acid, glucuronic acid, glucose, galactose, and mannose in a molar ratio of 1.6:1.5:1.0:2.3:1.4, respectively, with a molecular weight of 1.66 × 10(4) g mol(-1) and a molecular number of 7.64 × 10(3) g mol(-1). BSEPS inhibited 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical activity, and BSEPS supplement reduced glucose (p < 0.05) and troponin levels while insulin levels increased (p < 0.05). BSEPS also reduced total serum cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL), and triglycerides, and elevated high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL). In parallel, intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM), and vascular cell adhesion molecule (VCAM) levels in STZ-induced diabetic rats were reduced. Moreover, polysaccharides reduced atherogenic and coronary risk indices, which were confirmed by histopathological examination of the heart and aorta.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study suggests that BSEPS improves hyperglycemia, dyslipidemia, and cardiovascular disease risk in STZ-induced diabetic rats.

Effective Immobilization of Agrobacterium sp. IFO 13140 Cells in Loofa Sponge for Curdlan Biosynthesis

Curdlan production by Agrobacterium sp. IFO13140 immobilized on loofa sponge, alginate and loofa sponge with alginate was investigated. There was no statistically-significant difference in curdlan production when the microorganism was immobilized in different matrices. The loofa sponge was chosen because of its practical application and economy and because it provides a high stability through its continued use. The best conditions for immobilization on loofa sponge were 50 mg of cell, 200 rpm and 72 h of incubation, which provided a curdlan production 1.50-times higher than that obtained by free cells. The higher volumetric productivity was achieved by immobilized cells (0.09 g/L/h) at 150 rpm. The operating stability was evaluated, and until the fourth cycle, immobilized cells retained 87.40% of the production of the first cycle. The immobilized cells remained active after 300 days of storage at 4 °C. The results of this study demonstrate success in immobilizing cells for curdlan biosynthesis, making the process potentially suitable for industrial scale-up. Additional studies may show a possible contribution to the reduction of operating costs.

Production of extracellular water-insoluble polysaccharide from Pseudomonas sp

Curdlan is a microbial polysaccharide composed exclusively of β-(1,3)-linked glucose residues. Until now only bacteria belonging to the Alcaligenes and Agrobacterium species have been reported to produce Curdlan. In this study, a bacterium capable of producing extracellular Curdlan, identified as Pseudomonas sp. on the basis of 16S rDNA gene sequencing, was isolated from soil samples. From the HPLC, permethylation linkage analysis, (13)C NMR, and FT-IR analytical data, the polysaccharide consisted exclusively of glucose; the most prominent sugar was 1,3-linked glucose, and most glycosidic bonds joining these sugar residues were of the β-type. This also supported that the exopolysaccharide produced by Pseudomonas sp. was actually Curdlan. In addition, the Pseudomonas sp. was studied for the production of Curdlan by conventional "one-factor-at-a-time technique" and response surface methodology (RSM). It was observed that glucose and yeast extract were the most suitable carbon source and nitrogen source for Curdlan production, respectively. By using RSM, Curdlan production was increased significantly by 188%, from 1.25 to 2.35 g/L, when the strain was cultivated in the optimal condition developed by RSM, and the highest Curdlan production rate of 0.81 g/(L h) was obtained. To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first report on Curdlan production by Pseudomonas sp.

Bacterial extracellular polysaccharides involved in biofilm formation

Extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) produced by microorganisms are a complex mixture of biopolymers primarily consisting of polysaccharides, as well as proteins, nucleic acids, lipids and humic substances. EPS make up the intercellular space of microbial aggregates and form the structure and architecture of the biofilm matrix. The key functions of EPS comprise the mediation of the initial attachment of cells to different substrata and protection against environmental stress and dehydration. The aim of this review is to present a summary of the current status of the research into the role of EPS in bacterial attachment followed by biofilm formation. The latter has a profound impact on an array of biomedical, biotechnology and industrial fields including pharmaceutical and surgical applications, food engineering, bioremediation and biohydrometallurgy. The diverse structural variations of EPS produced by bacteria of different taxonomic lineages, together with examples of biotechnological applications, are discussed. Finally, a range of novel techniques that can be used in studies involving biofilm-specific polysaccharides is discussed.