A novel method for promoting antioxidant exopolysaccharidess production of Bacillus licheniformis

► We described a novel method for improving the production of antioxidant extracellular polysaccharides from Bacillus licheniformis. ► The tolerances of the strains to the organic solvent were examined. ► We investigated the effects of concentrations of n-hexane and xylene stress treatment on the extracellular polysaccharides excretion from Bacillus licheniformis. ► The hereditary stability of Bacillus licheniformis OSTK95 and strain UD061 were tested.