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ARS Home » Midwest Area » Peoria, Illinois » National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research » Renewable Product Technology Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #305055
Title: Production of novel microbial biopolymers

Author
item Rich, Joseph
item Leathers, Timothy
item Skory, Christopher - Chris
item Cote, Gregory

Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 6/4/2014
Publication Date: 6/4/2014
Citation: Rich, J.O., Leathers, T.D., Skory, C.D., Cote, G.L. 2014. Production of novel microbial biopolymers [abstract]. Corn Utilization and Technology Conference. p. 15.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Microorganisms are well known to produce a wide variety of biobased polymers. These biopolymers have found a wide range of commercial uses, including food, feed, and consumer and industrial products. The production and possible uses of several novel biopolymers from both bacteria and fungi will be discussed, including: • schizophyllan, a polysaccharide from the mushroom Schizophyllum commune • poly(malic acid), a natural polyester from Aureobasidium pullulans • water-insoluble glucans from Leuconostoc mesenteroides • modified alternan, a dextranase-limit digest of high MW alternan, a water-soluble glucan from some strains of L. mesenteroides. Each of these biopolymers has unique physical properties that suggest possible utility in a variety of commercial applications. The production of these biopolymers from a variety of agricultural feedstocks will be described.