Curdlan-like exopolysaccharide production by Cellulomonas flavigena UNP3 during growth on hydrocarbon substrates

Cellulomonas flavigena UNP3, a natural isolate from vegetable oil contaminated soil sample has been studied for growth associated exopolysaccharide (EPS) production during growth on glucose, groundnut oil and naphthalene. The EPS showed matrix formation surrounding the cells during scanning electron microscopy. Cell surface hydrophobicity and emulsifying activity studies confirmed the role of EPS as bioemulsifier. Emulsifying activity was found to increase with time (0.2 U/mg for 10 min to 0.27 U/mg for 30 min). Emulsification index, E₂₄ value increased with the increase in EPS concentration. Degradation of polyaromatic hydrocarbons was confirmed using gas chromatography analysis. FTIR analysis showed presence of characteristic absorbance at 895.10 cm⁻¹ for β-configuration of glucan. NMR studies also revealed EPS produced by C. flavigena UNP3 as a linear β-1, 3-d-glucan, and a curdlan like polysaccharide.