title: Exopolysaccharide production by Bacillus strains colonizing packaging foils.
abstract: The influence of the chemical composition of medium, availability of glucose and pH on the production of exopolysaccharides (EPS) by different Bacillus strains were investigated. Bacillus strains were isolated from the surface of polyethylene foils modified with mineral compounds after their biodegradation in compost soil. Moreover, the effect ofEPS production on bacterial adhesion onto the surface of the materials was examined. The enhanced synthesis of exopolysaccharides in nutrient-starved conditions was revealed. The most effective synthesis of polymers was observed during the logarithmic phase of culture growth. The increased amount of EPS facilitated bacterial adhesion to material surfaces. It was determined that the biofilm on the material surface positively affects its biodegradation. Based on the results, we conclude that the biodegradation of polymers may be accelerated in low-nutrient environment.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Fermentation Technology and Microbiology, Technical University of Lódź, Poland. joanna.szumigaj@inwarz.skierniewice.pl
authors.forename: Joanna
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Szumigaj
authors.forename: Zofia
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Zakowska
authors.forename: Leszek
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Klimek
mesh_terms: D001407:Bacillus / Q000302:isolation & purification / Q000502:physiology* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D001422:Bacterial Adhesion / Q000502:physiology*; D001673:Biodegradation, Environmental; D018441:Biofilms; D003470:Culture Media; D005947:Glucose / Q000378:metabolism; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D020959:Polyethylene; D011135:Polysaccharides, Bacterial / Q000032:analysis / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D019064:Product Packaging
chemical_list: D003470:Culture Media; D011135:Polysaccharides, Bacterial; C085953:exopolysaccharide, Bacillus; D020959:Polyethylene; D005947:Glucose