Extracellular polysaccharides produced by acetic acid bacteria. Part I. Isolation and characterization of a new polysaccharide-producing Acetobacter sp.

Abstract

Seven strains of acetic acid bacteria which can produce a new type of extracellular soluble polysaccharide were isolated from vinegar mash. All of the strains were classified into the genus Acetobacter. The polysaccharide was composed of glucose, galactose, mannose and glucuronic acid in an approximate molar ratio of 6:2:1:1. Sugar components and their ratios were found to be independent of the carbon source used for cultures. We also found that the polysaccharide was produced by Acetobacter pasteurianus subsp. estunensis IFO 13751 and Gluconobacter capsulatus IAM 1813 in shaking cultures although only in very small amounts.