Optimization of medium for pullulan production using a novel strain of Auerobasidium pullulans isolated from sea mud through response surface methodology

In this study, response surface methodology (RSM) was used to optimize the medium based on the Plackett–Burman and Central-Composite Designs for the production of pullulan using a novel strain of Auerobasidium pullulans CJ001 isolated from sea mud from Eastern China for the first time. NaCl, K2HPO4, and (NH4)2SO4 were found to have significant effects on pullulan production using the Plackett–Burman Design. The concentrations of the three above mentioned compounds were further optimized using the Central-Composite Design. Results showed that the final concentration of medium optimized using RSM was 1.98 g/L NaCl, 0.77 g/L K2HPO4, and 1.0 g/L (NH4)2SO4. Production of pullulan reached 26.13 g/L under the optimized medium. The structure of pullulan was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC).