Production of Hyaluronic Acid from Molasses by Streptococcus thermophilus TISTR 458

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the capability of Streptococcus thermophilus TISTR 458 on hyaluronic acid (HA) production by using various carbon sources including glucose, sucrose and sugarcane molasses. HA production was determined using a turbidity assay by precipitation with cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) and the sugar content was analysed by a sulphuric acid-UV spectrophotometry method. The results showed that S. thermophilus TISTR 458 produced the maximal yield of HA from glucose, sucrose and molasses at approximately 32.80 ± 4.27 (24 h), 79.03 ± 8.36 (24 h) and 213.44 ± 76.79 (12 h) mg/L, respectively, then decreased gradually. Moreover, an elevated level of HA was related to a reduction in the sugar content. It was concluded that S. thermophilus TISTR 458 can produce HA by using glucose, sucrose and molasses. Interestingly, molasses as a cheap agricultural by-product is a promising prospect carbon source for HA production by S. thermophilus TISTR 458.