Emulsifying and Metal Ion Binding Activity of a Glycoprotein Exopolymer Produced byPseudoalteromonassp. Strain TG12

• DOI: 10.1128/aem.00316-08
• Publication Date: 2008-06-14T02:15:40Z
• Authors: Tony Gutierrez; Tracy Shimmield; Cheryl Haidon; Kenny Black; David H. Green
• Keywords: Exopolymer; Strain (injury); Pseudoalteromonas

In this study, we describe the isolation and characterization of a new exopolymer that exhibits high emulsifying activities against range oil substrates demonstrates differential capacity to desorb various mono-, di-, trivalent metal species from marine sediment under nonionic seawater ionic-strength conditions. This polymer, PE12, was produced by isolate, Pseudoalteromonas sp. strain TG12 (accession number EF685033), during growth in modified Zobell's 2216 medium amended with 1% glucose. Chemical chromatographic analysis showed it be high-molecular-mass (>2,000 kDa) glycoprotein composed carbohydrate (32.3%) protein (8.2%). PE12 notable contained xylose as major sugar component at unusually levels (27.7%) not previously reported for exopolymer. The polymer shown sediment-a function putatively conferred its content uronic acids (28.7%). Seawater ionic strength (simulated using 0.6 M NaCl), however, caused significant reduction PE12's ability sediment-adsorbed metals. These results demonstrate importance electrolytes, physical parameter intrinsic seawater, influencing interaction microbial exopolymers ions. summary, may represent class potential use biotechnological applications an or metal-chelating agent. addition these findings, ecological aspects related bacterial environments are also discussed.