Exopolymer production by a fouling marine bacterium Pseudomonas alcaligenes

Abstract

Exopolymeric substances (EPS) secreted by marine bacterium Pseudomonas alcaligenes grown on basal salt solution medium was analysed for its biochemical composition. The biopolymer was produced during all phases of growth and varied with the source and amount of carbon and nitrogen provided in the growth media. More EPS was produced on active surfaces like copper than on glass and titanium. EPS which promotes bacterial adhesion on immersed surfaces contained carbohydrates (19.8%), proteins (16.8%), uronic acids (3.5%), sulphate (0.7%) and pyruvate in traces. Inorganic matter was around 52.5%.