Production, characterization and technological properties of biopolymer produced by Agrobacterium radiobacter k84

Abstract

In this study, a biopolymer composed of carbohydrates (35%), protein (15%) and minerals (40%) was obtained through fermentation using sugar cane molasses as the sole carbon source for Agrobacterium radiobacter k84. The process yield was 10 gL^-1 of biopolymer, which showed high solubility in water, neutral pH in aqueous solution and low water activity (0.52). The analysis in Scanning Electron Microscopy revealed microstructure characteristic of an amorphous solid, with particles of irregular shapes and sizes. In the evaluation of technological properties, the biopolymer showed formation of viscous solutions at room temperature from concentration of 0.5% in aqueous solution, gelling activity in solution at 2%, emulsifying (56.11±1.39%) and stabilizing activity (98.02±0.78%). The results suggest that the biopolymer from Agrobacterium radiobacter k84 is a promising candidate for industrial use.