Advanced Bio-Material Management: Leveraging Agro-Industrial Waste for Sustainable Dextran Production through Optimized Leuconostoc mesenteroides Bioprocessing

Dextran, a versatile biopolymer primarily composed of alpha-(1→6) linked D-glucose units, is a cornerstone of modern biotechnology with critical applications in the medical, pharmaceutical, and food industries. This study focuses on the isolation, identification, and optimization of Leuconostoc spp., specifically L. mesenteroides, from sucrose-rich surfaces at the Manjara Sugarcane Industry. Purified isolates, identified as Gram-positive, catalase-negative cocci, exhibited a characteristic mucoid morphology on sucrose-supplemented MRS agar, indicating robust extracellular polysaccharide production. Optimization of culture parameters using turbidometric analysis (OD 600) revealed that maximum growth and dextran yield were achieved at a temperature of 26°C, a near-neutral pH of 6.5 to 7.0, and a 10% sucrose concentration. Furthermore, a comparative analysis of agro-industrial substrates demonstrated that molasses is a superior, cost-effective carbon source compared to refined sucrose, likely due to its rich mineral and nutrient profile. Laboratory-scale production confirmed that dextran synthesized under these conditions possesses high water solubility and viscosity, validating its potential for sustainable, high-yield industrial applications in drug delivery, food stabilization, and green nanotechnology.