Xanthan gum production using jackfruit-seed-powder-based medium: optimization and characterization.

Area of Science:

• Biotechnology
• Microbial Fermentation
• Biopolymer Production

Background:

• Xanthan gum (XG) is a versatile biopolymer with wide industrial applications.
• Traditional XG production relies on expensive nutrient sources.
• Exploring cost-effective substrates is crucial for sustainable biopolymer manufacturing.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate jackfruit seed powder (JSP) as a novel, low-cost substrate for xanthan gum (XG) production by Xanthomonas campestris.
• To optimize the fermentation medium composition for maximizing XG yield using JSP.
• To characterize the produced biopolymer and confirm its identity as XG.

Main Methods:

• Utilized Xanthomonas campestris NCIM 2961 for XG fermentation.
• Employed Response Surface Methodology (RSM) with Central Composite Design (CCD) to optimize five medium variables: JSP, peptone, citric acid, dipotassium phosphate (K2HPO4), and potassium dihydrogen phosphate (KH2PO4).
• Characterized the resulting biopolymer using X-ray Diffraction (XRD) and Fourier-Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy.

Main Results:

• Achieved a maximum XG yield of 51.62 g/L under optimized conditions.
• Identified optimal medium concentrations: 4 g/L JSP, 0.93 g/L peptone, 0.26 g/L citric acid, 1.29 g/L K2HPO4, and 0.5 g/L KH2PO4.
• Confirmed K2HPO4 and KH2PO4 as significant components, acting as both nutrients and buffering agents for Xanthomonas campestris growth.
• XRD and FTIR analyses confirmed the identity of the produced biopolymer as xanthan gum.

Conclusions:

• Jackfruit seed powder (JSP) is a viable and cost-effective alternative substrate for xanthan gum (XG) production.
• Optimization of medium components significantly enhances XG yield.
• This approach offers a sustainable and economical route for industrial XG biosynthesis.