Session 2D: Optimizing the Polysaccharide Production of Bacillus subtilis

Session Number

Session 2D: 2nd Presentation

Advisor(s)

Katherine Knight, Loyola University Chicago

Location

Room A155

Start Date

28-4-2017 10:00 AM

End Date

28-4-2017 11:15 AM

Abstract

The bacteria Bacillus subtilis secretes exopolysaccharide (EPS) as part of its biofilm formation. EPS has been found to protect mice from colitis and other inflammatory processes induced by the mouse pathogen Citrobacter rodentium. There is not much known about the chemical nature of EPS and the goal of this project was to find the optimal growth conditions for EPS production by B. subtilis so it can be readily purified free of contaminants for characterization under stringent biochemical analyses. The growth characteristics of this bacterium were tested under various conditions to determine what conditions would lead to the best bacterial growth in conjugation with high polysaccharide production. Sulfuric acid assays were used to quantitate polysaccharide in samples taken from select time points throughout growth curves. For characterization purposes, minimal medium Msgg was found to be ideal for producing polysaccharide free of medium contaminants. Eight to twelve hours was found to be the optimal growth time for Bacillus subtilis to produce EPS without cell lysis contributing intracellular polysaccharide constituents

Comments

Additional team members: Mae Kingzette

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Apr 28th, 10:00 AM Apr 28th, 11:15 AM

Session 2D: Optimizing the Polysaccharide Production of Bacillus subtilis

Room A155

The bacteria Bacillus subtilis secretes exopolysaccharide (EPS) as part of its biofilm formation. EPS has been found to protect mice from colitis and other inflammatory processes induced by the mouse pathogen Citrobacter rodentium. There is not much known about the chemical nature of EPS and the goal of this project was to find the optimal growth conditions for EPS production by B. subtilis so it can be readily purified free of contaminants for characterization under stringent biochemical analyses. The growth characteristics of this bacterium were tested under various conditions to determine what conditions would lead to the best bacterial growth in conjugation with high polysaccharide production. Sulfuric acid assays were used to quantitate polysaccharide in samples taken from select time points throughout growth curves. For characterization purposes, minimal medium Msgg was found to be ideal for producing polysaccharide free of medium contaminants. Eight to twelve hours was found to be the optimal growth time for Bacillus subtilis to produce EPS without cell lysis contributing intracellular polysaccharide constituents