Date of Award
1992
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Department
School of Nutrition and Food Sciences
First Advisor
Donal F. Day
Abstract
A new process for the production of clinical (or controlled size) dextran was developed. This process is simpler, cheaper and more economical than traditional methods. It involves the use of a mixed culture fermentation with a dextranase producing strain (Lipomyces starkeyi ATCC 74054) and a dextransucrase producing strain (Leuconostoc mesenteroides ATCC 10830). The new process produced 84% (w/w) of theoretical yield clinical dextran with an average polydispersity between 1.2 and 1.5. The mechanism of clinical dextran formation is the competitive production of acceptors from newly formed dextran molecules by dextranase. The acceptors compete for the existing glucosyl portion of sucrose, resulting in higher levels of smaller size dextran molecules. The maintenance of a proper balance of dextransucrase to dextranase is essential for the functioning of this process.
Recommended Citation
Kim, Doman, "A Novel Process for the Production of Clinical Dextran." (1992). LSU Historical Dissertations and Theses. 5443.
https://repository.lsu.edu/gradschool_disstheses/5443
Pages
179
DOI
10.31390/gradschool_disstheses.5443