Utilization of Agro-Industrial Byproducts as Low-cost Media for Exopolysaccharides Production

摘要

Mature coconut water (MCW) and whey lactose (WL) are byproducts from agro-industries that could be potential nutrient sources for fermentation. This study aimed to use these byproducts for production of high value-added fermentation products. Kefiran is functional exopolysaccharides that can be used as thickeners, stabilizers, emulsifiers, and gelling agents and also has antimicrobial, antitumor and anti-aging properties. However, the production costs of kefiran are still high, mainly due to the high cost of fermentation media. Therefore, utilizing byproducts from agro-industries would be economically attractive and more viable. The use of MCW and WL as nutrient sources for kefiran production by Lactobacillus kefiranofaciens, were compared with the use of pure sugars. It was found that MCW was a good sole nutrient source for kefiran production. The optimal conditions for kefiran production from MCW were optimized. These include sugar concentration, the addition of nitrogen source and the effect of pH control during the fermentation. These results indicate the promising approach that could contribute to both environmental friendly treating of the industrial byproducts and wastes and low-cost production of high-value added bioproducts.