Microbial Polysaccharides: Between Oil Wells, Food and Drugs

Abstract

The field of microbial polysaccharides is an immensely developing field over the last two decades as a result of its wide-ranging applications in different areas of science and technology. Microbial exopolysaccharides (MPSs) such as xanthan, dextran, gellan, pullulan and levan have been commercially used in their natural or modified state for many years. A large number of these natural polymer applications is a consequence of their excellent physical and chemical properties, based on their capacity to alter the basic properties of water (e.g. thickening or gelling). In addition, these polymers have secondary functions, such as emulsification, suspension, stabilization, encapsulation, flocculation, film forming, binding and coating. MPSs, and particularly exopolysaccharides, have many other novel properties to offer, and the discovery of immune modulation and bifidogenic effect of some of them should provide other applications. This work focuses on the more recent developments in the extent of application of microbial polysaccharides in the various fields which makes these polymers promising and versatile materials in the future, and also in our investigations of these natural products.