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Fermentation parameters and conditions affecting levan production and its potential applications in cosmetics
Marta Domżał-Kędzia1, Agnieszka Lewińska2, Anna Jaromin3
1Department of Biotransformation, Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Wroclaw, Wroclaw, Poland.
Bioorganic Chemistry
|February 16, 2019
Summary
This study optimized levan extraction and found low-molecular-weight levan to be non-toxic and non-hemolytic, showing antioxidant potential for industrial applications.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Materials Science
Background:
- Levan is a microbial polysaccharide with diverse industrial applications.
- Molecular weight influences levan's utility, necessitating fraction isolation.
- Levansucrase enzyme synthesizes levan from fructose units.
Purpose of the Study:
- To optimize ethanol precipitation for isolating levan fractions.
- To evaluate the safety and antioxidant properties of low-molecular-weight levan.
Main Methods:
- Optimized ethanol precipitation to obtain levan fractions.
- Assessed cytotoxicity using human dermal fibroblast cell lines.
- Determined hemolytic potential on human erythrocytes.
- Evaluated antioxidant activity via emulsion oxidation inhibition and DPPH radical scavenging.
Main Results:
- Optimized precipitation successfully yielded levan fractions.
- Low-molecular-weight levan exhibited no cytotoxicity from 0.01 to 1.00 mg/ml.
- Levan demonstrated no hemolytic activity.
- Significant antioxidant potential was observed, including DPPH radical scavenging.
Conclusions:
- Optimized ethanol precipitation is effective for levan fractionation.
- Low-molecular-weight levan is safe for use in cosmetic and pharmaceutical applications.
- Levan's antioxidant properties support its use in food and medicine.
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