Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 19, 2026

Automated Modular High Throughput Exopolysaccharide Screening Platform Coupled with Highly Sensitive Carbohydrate Fingerprint Analysis
Published on: April 11, 2016
Characterization of exopolysaccharide and ropy capsular polysaccharide formation by Weissella
Saskia Katharina Malang1, Ndegwa Henry Maina2, Clarissa Schwab1
1Laboratory of Food Biotechnology, Institute of Food, Nutrition and Health, ETH Zürich, Schmelzbergstrasse 7, 8092, Zürich, Switzerland.
Abstract:
With their broad functional properties, lactic acid bacteria derived high molar mass exopolysaccharides (EPS) and oligosaccharides are of great interest for food, medical and pharmaceutical industry. EPS formation by 123 strains of Weissella cibaria and Weissella confusa, was evaluated. Dextran formation from sucrose was observed for all tested strains while 18 strains produced fructan in addition to dextran. Six isolates synthesized a highly ropy polymer from glucose associated with the formation of a cell-bound, capsular polysaccharide (CPS) composed of glucose, O-acetyl groups and two unidentified monomer components. The soluble EPSs of nine strains were identified as low α-1,3-branched dextran, levan and inulin type polymers using NMR. In addition to glucan and fructan, W. confusa produced gluco- and fructooligosaccharides. Partial dextransucrase and fructansucrase sequences were characterized in the selected Weissella strains. Our study reports the first structural characterization of fructan type EPS from Weissella as well as the first Weissella strain producing inulin. Production of more than one EPS-type by single strains may have high potential for development of applications combining EPS technological and nutritional benefits.
Related Concept Videos
Formation of Lipopolysaccharides
Outer Layers of the Cell Envelope
Biosynthesis of Polysaccharides
Oligosaccharide Assembly
Multiple sugar molecules that may or may...
Peptidoglycan Synthesis
Cellulose and Pectic Polysaccharides
As a cell matures, its cell wall specializes according to its type. For example, the...

