Use of Response Surface Methodology Analysis for Xanthan Biopolymer Production by Xanthomonas campestris: Focus on Agitation Rate, Carbon Source, and Temperature

The current study is an attempt to contribute for efficient and cost-effective substrates for xanthan gum production. In this context, the sugar cane molasses wastes can be used as a cheap substrate for xanthan gum production. Xanthan biopolymer production by a novel Xanthomonas campestris strain IBRC-M 10644 was optimized with statistical approaches. Based on the results of Response Surface Methodology (RSM) with Central Composite Design (CCD) technique, a second-order polynomial model was developed and evaluated the effects of variables on the maximum xanthan production. Agitation rate (X1: 200-500 rpm), sugar cane molasses concentration (X2: 30-90 g/L) and operation temperature (X3: 25-35 °C) were the factors investigated. The optimal conditions for maximum yield of xanthan production were derived from agitation rate 500 rpm, carbon source concentration 65 g/L and operation temperature 30°C. Under these conditions, xanthan and biomass production were found to be 16.03 g/L and 1.37 g/L, respectively. Our results signify that the sugar cane molasses can be used as a cheap substrate for xanthan biopolymer production.