Philippine E-Journals

Eucheuma Pulp Extract: Source of Nata and Nata- Producing Microorganisms

Norqueen Taruc–dumadaug | Minerva SD Olympia

Discipline: Industrial Science

 

Abstract:

This study aimed to use Eucheuma pulp extract as potential source for nata production. Specifically, it sought to: 1) isolate and screennata producing microorganisms from Eucheuma spp.; 2.) determine the optimum growth conditions of the nata-producing isolate usingEucheuma pulp extract as substrate for nata production and ; 3) test the color stability of angkak as nata colorant. Results showed three isolates to produce nata. Isolate coded Norm A produced the highest yield of nata among the three (3) isolates. Norm A produced highest weight, thickest and highest yield of nata at pH 5, 10% sugar concentration, 25% inoculum and 20% Eucheuma pulp extract at 28-32o C. Application of angkak and FD&C red on natafrom Eucheuma pulp extract showed that; nata produced with 1%angkak in the culture medium was stable on washing , UV light, freezing, autoclaving and acidification at pH 2.5 but not in alkalization at 12.5. The angkak soaked nata were also stable to freezing, autoclaving and UV light but not in washing, alkalization and acidification. The use of angkak pigments produced better color stability on nata samples from Eucheuma pulp extract than using FD&C red.