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Exopolysaccharides and antimicrobial biosurfactants produced by Paenibacillus macerans TKU029

Tzu-Wen Liang, Chia-Chen Wu, Wei-Ting Cheng

    Applied Biochemistry and Biotechnology
    |October 15, 2013
    PubMed

    Insights

    Paenibacillus macerans TKU029 produces exopolysaccharides (EPSs) and biosurfactants from squid pen powder. These compounds show potential as cosmetic ingredients, oil spill agents, and antimicrobial agents.

    Area of Science:

    • Microbiology
    • Biotechnology
    • Biochemistry

    Background:

    • Microbial exopolysaccharides (EPSs) and biosurfactants have diverse industrial applications.
    • Sustainable sourcing of microbial products is crucial for eco-friendly processes.
    • Paenibacillus macerans is known for producing bioactive compounds.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To investigate the potential of Paenibacillus macerans TKU029 for producing exopolysaccharides (EPSs) and biosurfactants.
    • To characterize the properties and applications of the produced EPSs and biosurfactant.
    • To evaluate the antimicrobial and skin hydration effects of the microbial products.

    Main Methods:

    • Cultivation of Paenibacillus macerans TKU029 using squid pen powder as a sole carbon/nitrogen source.
    • Quantification of exopolysaccharides (EPSs) and biosurfactant production.
    • Measurement of surface tension reduction and emulsification index for the biosurfactant.
    • Assessment of biosurfactant stability under various temperature, pH, and salinity conditions.
    • Evaluation of antimicrobial activity against selected bacteria and fungi.
    • Assessment of exopolysaccharides (EPSs) effect on human skin hydration.

    Main Results:

    • Paenibacillus macerans TKU029 produced 3.46 g/L EPSs and 1.78 g/L biosurfactant.
    • The biosurfactant reduced water surface tension to 35.34 mN/m and achieved a 56% emulsification index with machine oil.
    • The biosurfactant demonstrated stability at 121 °C, pH 3-11, and <5% salt.
    • Antimicrobial activity was observed against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Fusarium oxysporum, and Aspergillus fumigatus, retaining activity after heat and pH stress.
    • EPSs treatment increased human skin hydration by 37.3-44.3% over 180 minutes.

    Conclusions:

    • Paenibacillus macerans TKU029 efficiently produces EPSs and biosurfactants from a sustainable waste material (squid pen powder).
    • The characterized biosurfactant exhibits excellent surface tension reduction, emulsification, and stability, indicating potential for oil spill remediation and industrial applications.
    • The antimicrobial properties and skin hydration effects of the microbial products suggest significant potential for applications in cosmetics and healthcare.

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