Abstract
In this study, preparation of dried cultures of Pseudomonas aeruginosa using nonconventional drying method, namely, low-temperature low-humidity (LTLH) drying was investigated. The effect of carrier materials (whey protein, corn starch, and trehalose) was examined one at a time and also in combinations (to explore the synergistic effect). The results were compared with those obtained using spray drying and freeze drying in terms of cell survival and dry cell powder yield. The powder samples were analyzed also for morphology, flowability, particle size, and moisture content. In LTLH drying, good cell survival was observed along with high powder yield when compared with that in spray drying. Corn starch showed the highest cell survival (91%) and powder yield (94%, w/w) among the carrier materials employed besides resulting in good cell survival (65%) even after a storage period of 6 months.
Acknowledgments
The authors acknowledge the director, CSIR-CFTRI, for the infrastructural facilities in the institute. The authors are thankful to CSIR Network Project (CSC-0127) for the financial assistance. The authors are thankful to Dr. Ramachandra Gadre, chief scientist, CSIR-NCL Pune for the providing the culture for the studies. Mr. Hrishikesh A. Tavanandi wishes to acknowledge CSIR, Government of India for the fellowship. The authors are also thankful to Mr. S. G. Jayaprakashan, Mr. G. Bammigatti, and Mr. K. Anbalagan for their technical support during the drying trials and microscopic studies in CSIR-CFTRI.
Disclosure statement
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.