Improvement of Euglena gracilis Paramylon Production through a Cocultivation Strategy with the Indole-3-Acetic Acid-Producing Bacterium Vibrio natriegens

Abstract

Euglena gracilis has attracted special interest due to its ability to excessively accumulate paramylon. Paramylon is a linear β-1,3-glucan polysaccharide that is the principal polymer for energy storage in E. gracilis . The polysaccharide features high bioactive functionality in the immune system. This study explored a new method to enhance the production of paramylon by E. gracilis , through cocultivation with the indole-3-acetic acid-producing bacterium Vibrio natriegens . The enhanced production was achieved indirectly with the phytohormone-producing bacteria, instead of direct application of the hormone. The knowledge obtained in this study furthers the understanding of the effects of V. natriegens on the growth and physiology of E. gracilis .