Effect of Different Carbon Sources on the Extracellular Polysaccharide Production by Tremella cinnabarina in Submerged Culture

Abstract

The effect of fatty acids, emulsifiers and plant oils were studied with respect to their potential to
support the growth and extra-cellular polysaccharide production of Tremella cinnabarina in submerged culture.
The extra-cellular polysaccharide (EPS) production and mycelial growth were substantially increased by
supplementation with certain fatty acids in the medium. Oleic acid, sorbitan mono-oleate and grape-seed oil
significantly enhanced EPS production which were 1.5, 1.6 and 1.3 folds, respectively, in comparison to the
control. In case of lipids, the results indicated that the extent of stimulation or inhibition was associated with the
types and levels of lipids. However, when lipids were used as sole carbon source, poor growth and lack of EPS
production were observed.