Improved exopolysaccharide production from Bacillus licheniformis MS3: Optimization and structural/functional characterization

Exopolysaccharides (EPS) are microbially-originated, complex biosynthetic polymers, mainly carbohydrates in nature. They have gained attention of modern researches due to their novel physicochemical characteristics. However, the development of cost-effective strategies to improve the EPS yield, remains a challenge. In this study, cost-effective EPS production was carried out from B. licheniformis in solid state fermentation of mango peels substrate with waste-to-value theme. Initially, B. licheniformis was exposed to ultraviolet (UV) radiations of short wavelength which significantly improved the EPS yield (from 3.4 to 4.6 g/L). The highest EPS producing mutant strain (B. licheniformis MS3) was further proceeded for yield optimization using RSM-CCD approach. Optimization improved the yield >3.2-folds (from 4.6 to 15.6 g/L). The optimally yielded fraction was characterized using HPLC, FT-IR and SEM analyses. HPLC revealed the hetero-polymeric nature of EPS containing mannose (20.60%), glucose (46.80%), and fructose (32.58%) subunits. FT-IR spectroscopy revealed the presence of hydroxyl and carboxyl functional groups, and glycosidic linkages among monosaccharides. SEM microstructure showed that EPS comprise smoother surface with less porosity. Studies on functional characteristics revealed the presence of hydrophilic moieties among EPS with moderate water (105.3%) and oil (86.3%) uptake capacity. The EPS exhibited excellent emulsifying properties showed good stability against all hydrocarbons/oils tested. In conclusion, the cost-effective EPS production with multifunctional properties, this study may be valuable for various biochemical and biotechnological sectors.