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Purification and Visualization of Lipopolysaccharide from Gram-negative Bacteria by Hot Aqueous-phenol Extraction
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Photoeradication of exopolysaccharide-producing Leuconostoc mesenteroides as a harmful microorganism in the sugarcane

Esmaeil Darabpour1, Mahya Mohammadi Zeynallou2, Mohammad Roayaei Ardakani2

  • 1Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran. ismal_dar@yahoo.com.

Antonie Van Leeuwenhoek
|June 2, 2025
PubMed

Insights

Photodynamic inactivation (PDI) using methylene blue effectively eliminates Leuconostoc mesenteroides, a problematic bacterium in sugar refining. This PDI also reduces exopolysaccharide production, offering a novel solution for the sugarcane industry.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Biotechnology
  • Food Science

Background:

  • Leuconostoc mesenteroides produces exopolysaccharides (EPS), causing significant issues in cane sugar refining.
  • Eliminating L. mesenteroides is crucial for efficient sugar production.
  • Photodynamic inactivation (PDI) presents a promising strategy for microbial eradication.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the efficacy of PDI using methylene blue (MB) against L. mesenteroides.
  • To assess the impact of sub-lethal PDI on EPS production.
  • To visualize PDI-induced cellular damage using scanning electron microscopy (SEM).

Main Methods:

  • Bacterial suspensions of L. mesenteroides were treated with varying MB concentrations (6.25-100 µM).
  • Treated cells were exposed to 650 nm laser light.
  • EPS production and cell viability were quantified; SEM was used for morphological analysis.

Main Results:

  • PDI with 50 and 100 µM MB significantly reduced viable L. mesenteroides cells (>3 log10 CFU reduction).
  • Sub-lethal PDI treatment led to a significant decrease in EPS production.
  • SEM confirmed PDI's potent bactericidal effect and cellular damage.

Conclusions:

  • PDI mediated by methylene blue is a highly effective method for eliminating L. mesenteroides.
  • This approach offers a fast and efficient solution for controlling L. mesenteroides in the sugarcane industry.
  • PDI shows potential for reducing EPS-related problems in sugar refining.
Keywords:
ExopolysaccharidePhotodynamic inactivationPhotosensitizerSugar industryUndesirable microorganism

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