Bioprospecting of indigenous resources for the exploration of exopolysaccharide producing lactic acid bacteria

Exploration of biodiversity lead towards the discovery of novel exopolysaccharide (EPS) producing microbes that have multiple applications. The safety compatibility status of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) makes it an attractive candidate for the production of EPS in industries. Therefore, new bacterial isolates are continuously being identified from different habitats. Current research was conducted to explore indigenous biodiversity for the production of dextransucrase, which is involved in the synthesis of dextran. Dextran is an EPS which is used in different industries. In this study, thirty-nine LAB were isolated from different food samples. The isolates were identified as genus Leuconostoc, Weissella and Streptococcus based on genotypic and phenotypic characteristics. Screening revealed that only eight isolates can produce dextransucrase in high titres. Fermentation conditions of dextran producing LAB was optimized. The results indicated that Weissella confusa exhibited maximum specific activity (1.50 DSU mg(−1)) in 8 h at 25 °C with pH 7.5. Dextran produced from Weissella proved to be a useful alternative to commercially used dextran produced by Leuconostoc mesenteroides in industries for various applications.