Biolubricant potential of exopolysaccharides from the cyanobacterium Cyanothece epiphytica. [Mass Spectrometry - Glycomics]

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TitleBiolubricant potential of exopolysaccharides from the cyanobacterium Cyanothece epiphytica. [Mass Spectrometry - Glycomics]
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2018
AuthorsBorah D, Nainamalai S, Gopalakrishnan S, Rout J, Alharbi NS, Alharbi SAli, Nooruddin T
JournalAppl Microbiol Biotechnol
Volume102
Issue8
Pagination3635-3647
Date Published2018 Apr
ISSN1432-0614
Abstract

Exopolysaccaharides (EPS) are carbohydrate polymers secreted by microbial cells, as a protective layer termed sheath or capsule. Their composition is variable. Optimisation of nutrient factors and the effect of some simple stresses on the ability of Cyanothece epiphytica to produce EPS were tested. Of the tested stresses, exposure to ozone for 50 s at 0.06 mg/L resulted in a relatively high EPS yield, without any damage to cell structure. EPS was characterised physicochemically. Chemically, it was found to be composed of pentoses arabinose and xylose; hexoses glucose, galactose and mannose; and the deoxyhexose fucose sugars which were sulphated and with different functional groups. EPS from C. epiphytica was found to be a good hydrophobic dispersant, an excellent emulsifier as well as a flocculant. Its potential as a biolubricant with characteristics better than the conventional lubricant 'grease' was revealed through analysis. This study gave the clue for developing a commercial technology to produce a less expensive and more environment-friendly natural lubricant from the cyanobacterium C. epiphytica for tribological applications.

DOI10.1007/s00253-018-8892-x
Alternate JournalAppl. Microbiol. Biotechnol.
PubMed ID29520599
Grant ListBT/PR7005/PBD/26/357 / / Department of Biotechnology , Ministry of Science and Technology /
ISPP# 0081 / / International Scientific Partnership Program (ISPP), King Saud University /

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