Abstract: In this study, the appropriate carbon and nitrogen sources were selected from six carbon sources and seven nitrogen sources, respectively for optimizing liquid culture medium for the growth of mycelia of Pleurotus abalones and the production of exopolysaccharide. The optimal fermentation medium formula was evaluated by orthogonal array design method in terms of mycelium biomass and exopolysaccharide yield. The results showed that the optimal liquid medium (100 mL) for the growth of mycelia consisted of 2 g of brown sugar, 0.3 g of yeast extract and 0.1 g of MgSO4. The optimal liquid medium (100 mL) for the production of exopolysaccharide was composed of 2 g of fructose, 0.3 g of beef extract and 0.1 g of KH2PO4.

Key words: Pleurotus abalones, mycelia, exopolysaccharide, carbon source, nitrogen source, orthogonal array design