Leptolyngbya strains from Roman hypogea: cytochemical and physico-chemical characterisation of exopolysaccharides

• Published in: Journal of applied phycology Vol. 15; no. 2-3; pp. 193 - 200
• Main Authors: BELLEZZA, S, PARADOSSI, G, DE PHILIPPIS, R, ALBENANO, P
• Format: Conference Proceeding Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Dordrecht Springer 01-03-2003
• Subjects: Bacteriology; Biological and medical sciences; Cyanophyta; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; Leptolyngbya; Microbiology; Morphology, structure, chemical composition; Italy; Biodegradation; Taxonomy; Chemotaxonomy; Cytochemistry; Leptolyngbya sp; Sheath; Conservation of monuments; Ultrastructure; Exopolysaccharides; Cyanobacteria; Bacteria; Chemical composition; Diacritical features; Polysaccharide; Physicochemical properties
• ISSN: 0921-8971; 1573-5176
• DOI: 10.1023/A:1023811311686

Two strains of Leptolyngbya isolated from Roman hypogea were studied in order to characterise the ultrastructural features of the sheath and its composition in exopolysaccharides. Cytochemical stains used in light and transmission electron microscopy allowed detection of the presence of carboxylic groups within the sheath, composed by two different layers. The composition in monosaccharides of three fractions (released, hot and cold capsular polysaccharides) extracted from cultures was determined by reverse phase-high performance liquid chromatography, while the behaviour of the fractions at various pH values was studied by using the circular dichroism. The cytochemical and physico-chemical characterisation of exopolysaccharides should help both the conservation of lithic surfaces of artistic interest and the taxonomic identification of Leptolyngbya strains.