Production of Xanthan employing Xanthomonas campestris using Sugarcane Molasses

Xanthan production by Xanthomonas campestris from pre-treated sugarcane molasses (acidified molasses and acidified aerated molasses) was investigated. The optimization of xanthan yield was done at different pH, temperature, and incubation time for both the pre-treated sugarcane molasses. Maximum yield was achieved in 1% acidified molasses and acidified aerated molasses with 1% yeast extract as nitrogen source for 3 days of incubation time at 30℃. The precipitation of xanthan gum was done after 48 hours and the yield was high in acidified molasses and acidified aerated molasses comparing to acidified sugarcane molasses. Xanthomonas campestris produced xanthan yield of 12.23 g/l using acidified molasses and acidified aerated molasses. This fermentation study has an advantage over some other manufacturing processes with its use of agro industrial wastes as the raw material, allowing the increased xanthan production.