5 Microbial Exopolysaccharides

TLDR: EPSs produced by bacteria have great potential, and physicochemical characteristics of EPS decide its possible commercial application ranging from pharmaceutical to foodprocessing, extended to detoxification, bioremediation, paints, biotechnology, and petrochemicals.

Abstract: Microbial polysaccharides are produced in two forms, capsular polysaccharide (CPS) and exopolysaccharide (EPS). EPSs of microbial origin are ubiquitous in nature, have unique properties, and can be isolated from the bacteria in fresh water, marine environment, extreme conditions, and soil ecosystem. Exopolysaccharides are comprised of repeated units of sugar moieties, attached to a carrier lipid, and can be associated with proteins, lipids, organic and inorganic compounds, metal ions, and DNA. Specific functions and precise role of EPSs depend on structural units and ecological niches of the host microorganisms. EPSs produced by bacteria have great potential, and physicochemical characteristics of EPS decide its possible commercial application ranging from pharmaceutical to foodprocessing, extended to detoxification, bioremediation, paints, biotechnology, and petrochemicals. Exploitation of microbial exopolysaccharides is relatively unexplored and research interest is constantly increasing toward isolation, characterization, and applications of novel exopolysaccharides as renewable resources. Downstream processing and genetic engineering for enhanced biosynthesis of EPS require further emphasis.