ISOLATION, SCREENING AND QUANTIFICATION OF EXOPOLYSACCHARIDE PRODUCE BY PLANT PATHOGENIC FUNGI

Author(s): Shivangi Mittholiya*, Deepali Chittora and Kanika Sharma

Abstract: Exopolysaccharides are polymers of carbohydrates secreted by some bacteria and fungi outside their cell walls. Exopolysaccharides extracted from plant pathogenic fungi have wide applications. Four species of fungi i.e. Penicillium sp., Aspergillus sp., Fusarium sp., Alternaria sp. and Candida sp. were isolated from different plants sources ( chilli, tomato and mazie) and each species were tested for their polysaccharide producing ability. Polysaccharide production was recorded in incubating all four species in shaking flask, incubation condition of 28°C at 150 rpm for 14 days was found most suitable for exopolysaccharide secretion from each test species. Among all four species, Alternaria alternata produces maximum exopolysaccharide & minimum production was seen with Penicillium notaum. Total biomass (dry weight and wet weight) was also recorded. Maximum biomass was found to be in Fusarium equisetum. Total carbohydrate and protein produced was found to be highest in Alternaria alternata (approx 95% carbohydrate content). Fungal flora is affluent and thus can be used for the production of extracellular polysaccharides at a commercial level. The screening of such different natural sources for production of exopolysaccharides secreting fungi is promising as there is hope of isolation new productive microorganisms with properties superior to those of existing polymers. Isolation of exopolysaccharide secreting fungi from various fungi infected plants will be a valid alternative to plant and algal products considering that their properties are almost identical to those currently of used gums (Sutherland, 1956) and these exopolysaccharides activities can play a relevant role in biomedical and industrial applications, particularly in the field of antibacterial, emulsification, flocculation etc. for their intrinsic biocompatibility and potential low cost.

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