The First Report on Novel Exopolysaccharide Synthesis by Rhizobium Radiobacter and Practical Application
摘要
The strain Rhizobium radiobacter 36, identified through 16S rRNA gene sequencing (NCBI GenBank accession number PP859459.1), was found to produce a novel exopolysaccharide (EPS). Previously, EPS-related genes, namely exoK and exoM, were detected in this strain; these genes are associated with EPS production and are consistent with the genomic features of R. radiobacter. FT-IR analysis confirmed the polysaccharide nature of the EPS, revealing characteristic stretching vibrations. GC–MS analysis revealed the EPS composition as 88.053% glucose and 11.947% galactose, with a unique molar ratio of 7.36:1, classifying it as a succinoglycan-type EPS. Based on the research, the following structure was proposed:—[Glcα1 → 4Galβ1 → 4GalAα1 → 4Glcα1 → 4Galβ1 → 4GalA]—The EPS exhibited enhanced activity in solubilizing insoluble calcium salts and binding released Ca2⁺ ions, even in saline conditions (2.5% NaCl), highlighting its potential for applications in soil stabilization. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of such an EPS structure and composition produced by R. radiobacter 36.