Applications of Microbial Exopolysaccharides in the Food Industry

Abstract

Exopolysaccharides (EPSs) are high molecular weight polysaccharides secreted by microorganisms in the surrounding environment. In addition to the favorable benefits of these compounds for microorganisms, including microbial cell protection, they are used in various food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries. Investigating the functional and health-promoting characteristics of microbial EPS, identifying the isolation method of these valuable compounds, and their applications in the food industry are the objectives of this study. EPS are used in food industries as thickeners, gelling agents, viscosifiers, and film formers. The antioxidative, anticancer, prebiotic, and cholesterol-lowering effects of some of these compounds make it possible to use them in functional food production.

Lactobacillus exopolysaccharide: An Untapped Biopolymer

“…The homopolysaccharides EPS of lactobacilli with a molecular weight of greater than 106 Dalton are either branched or unbranched and composed of either glucose or fructose and are categorized into α-D-glucans (Dextran, Mutan, Alternan, and Reuteran), β-D-glucans, fructans (Levan and Inulin) and polygalactans [6,8,9]. Similarly, heteropolysaccharides EPS of lactobacilli have a molecular weight ranging from 104 and 6.0 × 106 Dalton and are made up of common sugars (D-glucose, D-galactose), rare sugars (L-rhamnose, mannose, arabinose, xylose, fucose, N-acetylglucosamine, N-acetylgalactosamine or glucuronic acid) and non-carbohydrate components (acetate, phosphate, sulfate, pyruvate, propionate, glycerate, amino acid, L-glutamate, and succinate [6, 9,10]. Some examples of heteropolysaccharides EPS of lactobacilli are gellan, xanthan, and kefiran [6].…”