Characterization of extracellular polymeric substance producing isolates from wastewaters and their antibacterial prospective

Abstract

Bacteria have the ability of biofilm formation, in which the cells attach to each other within a self-produced matrix of extracellular polymeric substance (EPS). The aim of the present research work was to isolate EPS-producing bacteria from wastewater. Total 21 bacterial isolates were screened for EPS production based on mucoid and slimy colonies. Out of 21 isolates, nine efficient isolates were selected for the production of EPS. These efficient bacterial strains were also checked for their antimicrobial potential against Salmonella sp., Escherichia coli, and Klebsiella sp. The isolates ASA3, H2E7, H2F8, and ASB4 inhibited the growth of Salmonella sp., E. coli, and Klebsiella sp, while isolate ASB5, H2C6, and H2E9 only showed inhibitory effects against Salmonella sp. The maximum concentration of EPS (i.e., 17.2 g/l) was produced by strain ASB4 within 3 days of incubation.