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Rheology and composition of a multi-utility exopolymer from a desert borne cyanobacterium Anabaena variabilis

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Abstract

The desert cyanobacterium Anabaena variabilis produces an exopolymer during the stationary growth phase in batch culture. Optimal polymer production was observed at pH 10 under phosphorus limitation. Chemical analysis showed it to be composed of 49% carbohydrate and 19% protein. Monosaccharide analysis revealed a heteropolysaccharidic nature with glucose, mannose, and galactose as the main neutral sugars. Infrared (IR) spectrum of the exopolymer showed absorption bands at 1,645 and 1,421 cm−1 characteristic of C=O in the carboxylate group. Strong band was observed at 1,072 cm−1 due to C–O–C or C–O–P stretching vibrations. A band at 2,363 cm−1 corresponding to C–H stretch of protein was also observed. IR spectrum suggested that the exopolymer is nonsulfated. Rheological properties of the polymer showed marked shear thinning non-Newtonian behavior in the concentration range of 0.1–0.4%. However, it appeared to undergo change in the internal structure on shearing thereby exhibiting thixotropic behavior. The polymer possessed 75% flocculating ability vis a vis alum, 71% emulsification of hexadecane, and good thermal stability making it a potent candidate for multiple industrial applications. The exopolymer bound 156 g H2O g−1 and exhibited antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus suggesting a potential for application in wound management as well.

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Author notes

  1. S. Pareek

    Present address: , Vikas WSP Limited, B 86-87, Udyog Vihar, SriGanganagar, Rajasthan, India

  2. J. Ganguly

    Present address: Complex Carbohydrate Research Centre, The University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Algae Biofuel and Biomolecules Centre, Department of Microbiology, M.D.S. University, Ajmer, Rajasthan, India

    M. Bhatnagar & A. Bhatnagar

  2. Department of Microbiology, M.D.S. University, Ajmer, Rajasthan, India

    S. Pareek

  3. Department of Chemistry, Bengal Engineering and Science University, Shibpur, Howrah, WB, India

    J. Ganguly

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  1. M. Bhatnagar
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  2. S. Pareek
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  3. J. Ganguly
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  4. A. Bhatnagar
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Correspondence to M. Bhatnagar.

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Bhatnagar, M., Pareek, S., Ganguly, J. et al. Rheology and composition of a multi-utility exopolymer from a desert borne cyanobacterium Anabaena variabilis . J Appl Phycol 24, 1387–1394 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10811-012-9791-7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10811-012-9791-7

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