BIOTECHNOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS OF EXOPOLYSACCHARIDE PRODUCED BY THE WOOD ROT FUNGI

Abstract

In the present study, the diverse localities of the Chandigarh region were explored for the collection of wood rot fungi
producing biotechnologically important exopolysaccharide. A total of 51 different wood rot specimens were collected of
which, 24 specimens belonging to 5 different families and 5 different genera were successfully isolated. The isolates were
further screened for their exopolysaccharide producing ability and the maximum yield of 2.155g/l was obtained from the
isolate WRE7 (Ganoderma sp.). The polysaccharide obtained was evaluated for its bio-emulsifying, bio-flocculating and
anti-oxidant potential. The emulsifying activity was determined by using different vegetable oils and hydrocarbons and
the results revealed that the polysaccharide was able to form stable emulsions with a maximum emulsifying activity of
57.14%. The test polysaccharide was also found capable of flocculating the suspended clay particles and a maximum
flocculating activity of 61.3% was obtained at a concentration of 1000µg/ml. The extracted polysaccharide also
exhibited strong antioxidant activity. It was found capable of neutralizing the DPPH radicals and scavenging the
superoxide radicals and hydroxyl radicals with maximum activity of 72.6%, 60.12%, and 75.52%, respectively at
1000µg/ml.