Export of Extracellular Polysaccharides Modulates Adherence of the Cyanobacterium Synechocystis

摘要: The field of cyanobacterial biofuel production is advancing rapidly, yet we know little the basic biology these organisms outside their photosynthetic pathways. We aimed to gain a greater understanding how cyanobacterium Synechocystis PCC 6803 (Synechocystis, hereafter) modulates its cell surface. Such will allow for creation mutants that autoflocculate in regulated way, thus avoiding energy intensive centrifugation biofuels. constructed mutant strains lacking genes predicted function carbohydrate transport or synthesis. Strains with gene deletions slr0977 (predicted encode permease component an ABC transporter), slr0982 ATP binding transporter) and slr1610 methyltransferase) demonstrated flocculent phenotypes increased adherence glass. Upon bioinformatic inspection, products slr0977, slr0982, appear O-antigen (OAg) However, analysis provided here no differences between OAg purified from wild-type mutants. exopolysaccharides (EPS) were altered composition when compared wild-type. Our data suggest there are multiple means modulate surface by disrupting different combinations transporters and/or glycosyl transferases. Further mechanisms may development industrially ecologically useful cyanobacteria. Additionally, imply many possess as-yet undiscovered functions, meritorious further study.