International Journal of Drug Delivery Technology
Volume 16, Issue 2, 2026

Optimization and characterization of Exopolysaccharide produced by Micrococcus endophyticus DMW6 and its biological potential

Edward C1, Sangeetha M2*, Punitha K3

1Edward C (Research Scholar), Reg no: 20122102101010 - PG – Research Department of Microbiology, Kamaraj College (Autonomous), Thoothukudi, Tamilnadu, India. Affiliated to Manonmaniam Sundaranar University, Abishekapatti, Tirunelveli – 627012. Email: edwardbenaiah@gmail.com

2*PG – Research Department of Microbiology, Kamaraj College (Autonomous), Thoothukudi, Tamilnadu, India. Affiliated to Manonmaniam Sundaranar University, Abishekapatti, Tirunelveli – 627012. Email: sangeetha.m@kamarajcollege.ac.in

3(Research Scholar), Reg no: 21212102102012. PG – Research Department of Microbiology, Kamaraj College (Autonomous), Thoothukudi, Tamilnadu, India. Affiliated to Manonmaniam Sundaranar University, Abishekapatti, Tirunelveli – 627012. Email: punitha7133@gmail.com

Received: 14th Dec, 2025; Revised: 9th Feb 2026; Accepted: 11th Feb, 2026; Available Online: 28th Feb, 2026

ABSTRACT

Endophytic bacteria produce exopolysaccharides (EPS), which have drawn a lot of interest because of their various industrial uses and bioactivities. In this study, we concentrated on the biological potential, molecular identification, optimization, and characterization of EPS generated by Micrococcus endophyticus DMW6, which was isolated from seawater. Production conditions were optimized by evaluating the effects of carbon and nitrogen sources, pH, temperature, and NaCl concentration, resulting in enhanced EPS yield. The purified EPS was characterised by GCMS and it identified several bioactive sugar derivatives in the EPS. Finally the cytotoxic effect of EPS was studied against A549 cells by MTT, AOEB, DAP and comet assay and the treatment with the EPS significantly reduced the viability of A549 cells, suggesting its promising role as a natural anticancer agent. Overall, the study establishes the EPS from M. endophyticus DMW6 as a promising bioactive molecule, with future research needed to evaluate its mechanism of action, large-scale production, and industrial or therapeutic applications.

Keywords: Micrococcus endophyticus, Exopolysaccharide (EPS), Cytotoxicity, A549 cells, Bioactive polysaccharide, GCMS.

How to cite this article: C E, Sangeetha M, Punitha K. Optimization and characterization of Exopolysaccharide produced by Micrococcus endophyticus DMW6 and its biological potential. Int J Drug Deliv Technol. 2026;16(2): 765-775. DOI: 10.25258/ijddt.16.1.82

Source of support: Nil.

Conflict of interest: None