Alginate Biosynthesis in Azotobacter vinelandii: Overview of Molecular Mechanisms in Connection with the Oxygen Availability

The Gram-negative bacterium Azotobacter vinelandii can synthetize the biopolymer alginate that has material properties appropriate for plenty of applications in industry as well as in medicine. In order to settle the foundation for improving alginate production without compromising its quality, a be...

Full description

Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Ivette Pacheco-Leyva, Felipe Guevara Pezoa, Alvaro Díaz-Barrera
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Hindawi Limited 2016-01-01
Series:International Journal of Polymer Science
Online Access:http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2016/2062360
Description
Summary:The Gram-negative bacterium Azotobacter vinelandii can synthetize the biopolymer alginate that has material properties appropriate for plenty of applications in industry as well as in medicine. In order to settle the foundation for improving alginate production without compromising its quality, a better understanding of the polymer biosynthesis and the mechanism of regulation during fermentation processes is necessary. This knowledge is crucial for the development of novel production strategies. Here, we highlight the key aspects of alginate biosynthesis that can lead to producing an alginate with specific material properties with particular focus on the role of oxygen availability linked with the molecular mechanisms involved in the alginate production.
ISSN:1687-9422
1687-9430