Scaling up the production of low-molecular-weight Dextran by Leuconostoc mesenteroides from whey protein

Scaling up the production of low-molecular-weight Dextran by Leuconostoc mesenteroides from whey protein
Masoud Zandi,^1,*
1. Department of Nursing, Tuyserkan Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tuyserkan, Iran
Introduction: Dextran is a high-molecular-weight bacterial exopolysaccharide with substantial industrial and therapeutic applications. Low-molecular-weight Dextran is preferred for pharmaceuticals, food, and cosmetics for its enhanced solubility, bioavailability, and low immunogenicity. This study delved into the cost-effective strategies for producing low-molecular-weight Dextran by the probiotics bacterium Leuconostoc mesenteroides (NRRL B-1118) in whey protein.
Methods: The fermentation process was optimized by using whey protein as a substrate to enhance the yield and quality of Dextran. The growth parameters, including temperature, pH, incubation period, and substrate concentration, were precisely adjusted to promote the low-molecular-weight Dextran production. The Dextran was isolated, and its molecular weight was determined using gel permeation chromatography (GPC). Structural analysis was conducted through Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy.
Results: The rheological properties of Dextran revealed its potential application in the food and pharmaceutical industries.
Conclusion: This study demonstrates the feasibility of using whey protein as a cost-effective substrate for the microbial production of low-molecular-weight Dextran, offering a sustainable approach to valorize whey, a by-product of the dairy industry.
Keywords: Leuconostoc mesenteroides; Dextran; Whey protein; Probiotics;