title: Players over the Surface: Unraveling the Role of Exopolysaccharides in Zinc Biosorption by FluorescentPseudomonasStrain Psd.
abstract: FluorescentPseudomonasstrain Psd is a soil isolate, possessing multiple plant growth promoting (PGP) properties and biocontrol potential. In addition, the strain also possesses high Zn2+biosorption capability. In this study, we have investigated the role exopolysaccharides (EPS) play in Zn2+biosorption. We have identified that alginates are the prime components contributing to Zn2+biosorption. Deletion of thealg8gene, which codes for a sub-unit of alginate polymerase, led to a significant reduction in EPS production by the organism. We have also demonstrated that the increased alginate production in response to Zn2+exposure leads to improved biofilm formation by the strain. In thealg8deletion mutant, however, biofilm formation was severely compromised. Further, we have studied the functional implications of Zn2+biosorption byPseudomonasstrain Psd by demonstrating the effect on the PGP and biocontrol potential of the strain.
authors.affiliation: Department of Genetics, University of Delhi South Campus New Delhi, India.
authors.forename: Anamika
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Upadhyay
authors.affiliation: TERI Deakin Nanobiotechnology Centre, The Energy and Resources Institute Gurgaon, India.
authors.forename: Mandira
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Kochar
authors.affiliation: Department of Genetics, University of Delhi South Campus New Delhi, India.
authors.forename: Manchikatla V
authors.initials: MV
authors.lastname: Rajam
authors.affiliation: Department of Genetics, University of Delhi South Campus New Delhi, India.
authors.forename: Sheela
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Srivastava
keywords: alginates; biocontrol; biofilms; biosorption; exopolysaccharides