RESUMEN
The mutant of Pediococcus pentosaceus (SPAm) produced earlier by UV-mutagenesis exhibiting higher dextransucrase activity as compared to wild-type was used. The generated mutant SPAm gave 12.2 mg/ml, a 20 percent higher dextran than wild-type. Response surface methodology was carried out for further enhancement of dextran production. To enhance dextran production by the mutant SPAm, Plackett-Burman Design and a 2² full factorial Central Composite Design was employed. After response optimization, the optimum concentration of sucrose and yeast extract was 5.115 percent (w/v) and 0.635 percent (w/v), respectively. The experimental values of dextran 36.0 mg/ml at flask level and 35.0 mg/ml at bioreactor level were in good agreement with the predicted value of 40.8 mg/ml. The increase in dextran production by the mutant SPAm using the optimized medium was 3 fold higher as compared to unoptimized medium.