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Poly(β-L-malic acid) production by diverse phylogenetic clades of Aureobasidium pullulans

  • Original Paper
  • Published:
Journal of Industrial Microbiology & Biotechnology

Abstract

Poly(β-L-malic acid) (PMA) is a natural biopolyester that has pharmaceutical applications and other potential uses. In this study, we examined PMA production by 56 strains of the fungus Aureobasidium pullulans representing genetically diverse phylogenetic clades. Thirty-six strains were isolated from various locations in Iceland and Thailand. All strains from Iceland belonged to a newly recognized clade 13, while strains from Thailand were distributed among 8 other clades, including a novel clade 14. Thirty of these isolates, along with 26 previously described strains, were examined for PMA production in medium containing 5% glucose. Most strains produced at least 4 g PMA/L, and several strains in clades 9, 11, and 13 made 9–11 g PMA/L. Strains also produced both pullulan and heavy oil, but PMA isolated by differential precipitation in ethanol exhibited up to 72% purity with no more than 12% contamination by pullulan. The molecular weight of PMA from A. pullulans ranged from 5.1 to 7.9 kDa. Results indicate that certain genetic groups of A. pullulans are promising for the production of PMA.

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Acknowledgments

The authors acknowledge RSU grant number 37/52 from the Research Center of Rangsit University for partial financial support. Appreciation is expressed for the kind assistance provided by Kristina Glenzinski, Melinda Nunnally, and Trina Hartman. Poly(β-L-malic acid) from P. polycephalum (M w 30,000) was the kind gift of Dr. Eggehard Holler, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Biochemistry Unit, Department of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Science, Rangsit University, Muangake, Lakhok, Patumthani, 12000, Thailand

    Pennapa Manitchotpisit

  2. Renewable Product Technology Research Unit, National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research, Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 1815 North University Street, Peoria, IL, 61604, USA

    Christopher D. Skory, Neil P. J. Price & Timothy D. Leathers

  3. Bacterial Foodborne Pathogens and Mycology Research Unit, National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research, Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 1815 North University Street, Peoria, IL, 61604, USA

    Stephen W. Peterson

  4. Crop Bioprotection Research Unit, National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research, Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 1815 North University Street, Peoria, IL, 61604, USA

    Karl E. Vermillion

Authors
  1. Pennapa Manitchotpisit
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  2. Christopher D. Skory
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  3. Stephen W. Peterson
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  4. Neil P. J. Price
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  5. Karl E. Vermillion
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  6. Timothy D. Leathers
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Correspondence to Timothy D. Leathers.

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Manitchotpisit, P., Skory, C.D., Peterson, S.W. et al. Poly(β-L-malic acid) production by diverse phylogenetic clades of Aureobasidium pullulans . J Ind Microbiol Biotechnol 39, 125–132 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10295-011-1007-7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10295-011-1007-7

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