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- Title
Characterization of extracellular polymers synthesized by tropical intertidal biofilm bacteria.
- Authors
Ortega-Morales, B. O.; Santiago-García, J. L.; Chan-Bacab, M. J.; Moppert, X.; Miranda-Tello, E.; Fardeau, M. L.; Carrero, J. C.; Bartolo-Pérez, P.; Valadéz-González, A.; Guezennec, J.
- Abstract
Aim: This study was performed to determine the potential of tropical intertidal biofilm bacteria as a source of novel exopolymers (EPS). Methods and Results: A screening procedure was implemented to detect EPS-producing biofilm bacteria. Isolates MC3B-10 and MC6B-22, identified respectively as a Microbacterium species and Bacillus species by 16S rDNA and cellular fatty acids analyses, produced different EPS, as evidenced by colorimetric and gas chromatographic analyses. The polymer produced by isolate MC3B-10 displays significant surfactant activity, and may chelate calcium as evidenced by spectroscopic analysis. Conclusions: Polymer MC3B-10 appears to be a glycoprotein, while EPS MC6B-22 seems to be a true polysaccharide dominated by neutral sugars but with significant concentrations of uronic acids and hexosamines. EPS MC3B-10 possesses a higher surfactant activity than that of commercial surfactants, and given its anionic nature, may chelate cations thus proving useful in bioremediation. The chemical composition of polymer MC6B-22 suggests its potential biomedical application in tissue regeneration. Significance and Impact of the Study: This is the first report of a Microbacterium species producing EPS with surfactant properties, which expands our knowledge of the micro-organisms capable of producing these biomolecules. Furthermore, this work shows that tropical intertidal environments are a nonpreviously recognized habitat for bioprospecting EPS-producing bacteria, and that these molecules might be involved in ecological roles protecting the cells against dessication.
- Subjects
EXTRACELLULAR fluid; POLYMERS; MICROBIAL ecology; BACILLUS biotechnology; CHROMATOGRAPHIC analysis
- Publication
Journal of Applied Microbiology, 2007, Vol 102, Issue 1, p254
- ISSN
1364-5072
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.1111/j.1365-2672.2006.03085.x