title: Statistical optimization of pullulan production from Asian palm kernel and evaluation of its properties.
abstract: Pullulan, a biodegradable exopolysaccharide, was produced from Asian Palmyra palm kernel by solid-state fermentation. Levels of medium variables, namely carbon to nitrogen ratio (C/N), pH, NaCl concentration and ZnSO4·5H2O concentration were optimized to maximize pullulan production using Box-Behnken design of experiments. Optimal values were predicted as: C/N ratio - 28.1, pH - 6.6, NaCl - 0.78 g/l and ZnSO4·5H2O - 0.37 g/l. Theoretical pullulan yield predicted under optimum condition was 30.4 mg/gds. Pullulan was produced under optimum condition and an experimental yield of 28.7 ± 0.3mg/gds was obtained. (13)C NMR spectra of the exopolysaccharide produced from Asian palm kernel revealed the presence of anomeric α (1→6) linked maltosyl units. The weight-average molecular weight of the polymer was determined to be 8.4×10(6)Da by gel permeation chromatography. Thermal decomposition temperature of pullulan was obtained to be 245°C. The tensile strength of pullulan film (0.5mm thick) was found to be 27 MPa.
authors.affiliation: School of Chemical and Biotechnology, SASTRA University, Thanjavur 613401, Tamilnadu, India.
authors.forename: K R
authors.initials: KR
authors.lastname: Sugumaran
authors.affiliation: School of Chemical and Biotechnology, SASTRA University, Thanjavur 613401, Tamilnadu, India.
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Shobana
authors.affiliation: School of Chemical and Biotechnology, SASTRA University, Thanjavur 613401, Tamilnadu, India.
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Mohan Balaji
authors.affiliation: School of Chemical and Biotechnology, SASTRA University, Thanjavur 613401, Tamilnadu, India. Electronic address: vponnu@chem.sastra.edu.
authors.forename: V
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Ponnusami
authors.affiliation: School of Chemical and Biotechnology, SASTRA University, Thanjavur 613401, Tamilnadu, India.
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Gowdhaman
mesh_terms: D001203:Ascomycota / Q000737:chemistry*; D019149:Bioreactors; D002244:Carbon / Q000737:chemistry; D005285:Fermentation; D005936:Glucans / Q000737:chemistry*; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D008970:Molecular Weight; D009584:Nitrogen / Q000737:chemistry; D011108:Polymers / Q000737:chemistry; D012965:Sodium Chloride / Q000737:chemistry; D013696:Temperature; D013718:Tensile Strength
chemical_list: D005936:Glucans; D011108:Polymers; D012965:Sodium Chloride; D002244:Carbon; C009109:pullulan; D009584:Nitrogen
keywords: Asian Palmyra palm kernel; Pullulan; Response surface methodology