Application of response surface methodology for glucan production from Leuconostoc dextranicum and its structural characterization

Sequential optimization strategy based on statistical experimental designs was employed to enhance glucan production by Leuconostoc dextranicum NRRL B-1146 in flask culture. A two-level Plackett–Burman design was employed first where 11 variables were studied for their influence on glucan production. Sucrose, peptone and yeast extract were the most significant variables improving glucan production. A three-level Box–Behnken factorial design was employed for maximizing the glucan production. A mathematical model was developed to show the effects of each medium component and their combinatorial interactions on glucan production. The optimal medium composition for maximum glucan production was sucrose 5.95%, peptone 0.52% and yeast extract 2.9%. This composition predicted 1063 mg/l glucan, the experimentally found glucan was 1015 ± 4.5 mg/l that showed a good agreement with the predicted value. The purified glucan was homogenous and its structural characteristics investigated by FT-IR, 1H NMR and 13C NMR spectroscopic techniques showed that it contained α-(1 → 6) and α-(1 → 4) linkages.