Characterization and potential applications of high molecular weight dextran produced by Leuconostoc mesenteroides AA1

Different strains of Leuconostoc mesenteroides were isolated from indigenous sources that were capable of producing a commercially important long chain glucose polymer known as dextran. Dextran produced by L mesenteroides AA1 was characterized. The physicochemical characteristics and structural analysis of dextran revealed that this biopolymer has many potential applications in several biotechnological industries and L. mesenteroides AA1 can be used for commercial production of dextran on large scale. Dextran produced by this strain is a high molecular weight glucose polymer with only alpha (1 --> 6) branch linkage in the main backbone chain without any further branching with a viscosity of 2.23 x 10(3) cp of 5.0% dextran solution. This high molecular weight dextran has an average molecular weight ranging from 10,000 to 40,000 kDa. The key utility of dextran in different industries lies on its molecular weight and dextran produced by L. mesenteroides AA1 can be tailored to meet the requirement for any industry. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.