Tremella fuciformis TFCUV5 Mycelial Culture-derived Exopolysaccharide Production and Its Anti-aging Effects on Skin Cells

Tremella fuciformis TFC6 mycelia was isolated from its fruiting body. T. fuciformis TFCUV5 was obtained from TFC6 mycelia by ultraviolet mutagenesis to improve extracellular-polysaccharide (EPS) yield. In addition, we investigated the physicochemical properties and functionality of EPS for industrial applications and the effect of EPS on enhancement of the moisturizing factor and antiwrinkle effect in skin cells. The EPS yield was improved upon fermentation by the mutant strain through optimization of the medium composition and culture conditions to a maximum of 8.4 g/L; the productivity was 1.9 g/L-day under optimal culture conditions (initial pH 7.0 at 25°C, 300 rpm, 2 vvm). EPS with a molecular weight of 1.79 × 106 (± 0.721%) comprised mannose, xylose, glucuronic acid, fucose, and glucose. EPS extract increased both moisture and the antiwrinkle factor in skin cells. Therefore, EPS from TFCUV5 might have potential to be used in the cosmetics industry.