Abstract

The lipopolysaccharide (LPS) yields were measured in Rhodobacter capsulatus under several conditions by the ELISA method. The purification of LPS was done by affinity chromatography of IgG coupled CNBr-activated sepharose-4B instead of ultra-centrifugation. The purity of the LPS didn't show much difference between affinity chromatography and ultra-centrifugation method, but affinity chromatography method required much fewer organisms and was more convenient. LPS yield was measured in ng units by the ELISA method. Mannitol was a better single carbon source than other sugars, but mixing two carbon sources resulted in greater LPS yields than any sugar alone. LPS yield was directly proportional to NH₄CI concentration, with optimum yields at 0.05% nitrogen. In contrest to LPS yields, which decreased at 0.005% nitrogen concentration total protein was increased 16 times. Calcium influenced LPS yields. At 0.7 mM CaCI₂, the LPS yield was 16.5 ㎍/mg DW, five times the yield without calcium.

• Keywords: Rhodobacter capsulatus; LPS; ELISA method; affinity chromatography