Direct utilization of lactose in clarified cheese whey for xanthan gum synthesis by Xanthomonas campestris

Abstract

A derivative of Xanthomonas campestris B1459 was constructed that utilizes lactose in clarified cheese whey for xanthan gum synthesis. Genes conferring lactose utilization carried by transposon Tn951 were inserted into the bacterial chromosome. The ability to use lactose for xanthan gum synthesis was stably inherited and the amount of xanthan produced suggested carbohydrate conversion efficiencies similar to wild-type X. campestris growing in the presence of glucose. Bench-scale fermentation of this organism and identification of the optimal whey sources and pretreatments can now proceed. © 1988 Society for Industrial Microbiology.