Enhancement of Xanthan Biosynthesis Using Medicinal Herbs - A Novel Approach

This study aimed to evaluate the potential of five medicinal herbs in the enhancement of xanthan gum production when used against indigenously isolated (from molasses, an agricultural waste) phytopathogen Xanthomonas campestris MW741556. Antibiotic susceptibility of five medicinal herbs (Moringa oleifera, Bacopa monnieri, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Withania somnifera, and Arthrospira platensis) against X. campestris culture was first checked. All five herbs exhibited a clear zone of inhibition against X. campestris during the investigation. Thereafter their effect on enhancing the xanthan gum production was studied using molasses enriched medium. The results of this experiment showed that all five herbs were capable of enhancing xanthan gum production significantly. Xanthan gum produced differed in viscosity and dried biomass. Among all, A. platensis and M. oleifera were found to be the most promising for xanthan gum production with higher viscosity. These results were further confirmed by the characterization of xanthan gum produced by five herbs using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy. Further, a multivariate approach using principal component analysis confirmed the variability among the herbs used. This versatility of these medicinal herbs opens the possibility of their utilization and application in various fields.