Exopolysaccharides Derived from Beneficial Microorganisms: Antimicrobial, Food, and Health Benefits

Abstract

Microbial polysaccharides are natural biopolymer which is produced in the extracellular space which possesses numerous biological functionalities including surface adherence, cellular interactions, and environmental protection. They have been observed to exhibit multiple functions which might be linked to their variation in their structure which include structural polysaccharides or exopolysaccharides and intracellular polysaccharides. The exopolysaccharides derived from microbial have been utilized in several sectors in the industry, food, agriculture, and medical. Their wide application might be linked to their biocompatibility and eco-friendly nature. Some of their uncountable medical benefits include their application as anticancer drugs, antimicrobials, antioxidants, cardiovascular, antiulcer, and neuroprotective among many. Also, the application of exopolysaccharides has application in the production of fermented food such as water-binding agents, thickeners, gelling, stabilizers, and emulsifiers. Therefore, this chapter discusses the recent advances in the application of exopolysaccharides obtained from beneficial microorganism and their wide application in the medical and food industry. Moreover, more insight into the application of nanotechnology was the emphasis as an effective tool for the delivery of the active ingredient present in exopolysaccharides which possess the capability to synthesize and effectively stabilize metal nanoparticles which are the process involved in the synthesis of nanoparticles.