Characteristics and culture conditions of a bioflocculant produced by Penicillium sp.
OBJECTIVE
To study the characteristics of a bioflocculant named MBF7 produced by Penicillum strain HHE-P7 and the effects of cultivation conditions on bioflocculant production.


METHODS
The chemical group in the bioflocculant molecules was shown by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra, and the average molecular weight of MBF7 was estimated by gel permeation chromatography. The effects of medium components on bioflocculant production and flocculating activity were studied.


RESULTS
Phospho-, amino-, hydroxyl, and carboxyl groups were the major fractions of MBF7, and the molecule weight was about 3.0x10(5) Da. In addition, the carbon and nitrogen sources favorable for the bioflocculant production were glucose and yeast extract respectively. When the initial pH of the medium was adjusted to 5.0, high flocculant efficiency could be achieved.


CONCLUSIONS
The bioflocculant MBF7 is a new macromolecule with high flocculating efficiency for Kaolin suspension, and could be produced under appropriate culture conditions.
Liu
Li-Fan
LF
Faculty of Civil and Transportation Engineering, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China. lifan_liu@126.com
Cheng
Wen
W
D003470:Culture Media; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D010407:Penicillium / Q000378:metabolism*
D003470:Culture Media