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Yeast exopolysaccharides and their physiological functions
Yalda Rahbar Saadat1, Ahmad Yari Khosroushahi2,3, Bahram Pourghassem Gargari4,5
1Nutrition Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
Folia Microbiologica
|February 19, 2021
Summary
Yeast exopolysaccharides (EPSs) are increasingly studied for their protective roles and potential applications. This review details yeast EPS structures and diverse uses, highlighting their advantages over bacterial EPSs.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Biotechnology
- Food Science
Background:
- Microorganisms, particularly bacteria, are known for synthesizing exopolysaccharides (EPSs).
- Yeast species' capacity for EPS biosynthesis and their properties remain less explored.
- Yeast EPSs offer potential advantages in yield and separation compared to bacterial EPSs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and highlight the structure of exopolysaccharides (EPSs) produced by yeast species.
- To detail the diverse applications of known yeast-derived EPSs.
- To emphasize the growing interest in yeast EPSs for various industries.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of existing studies on yeast exopolysaccharides (EPSs).
- Analysis of factors influencing EPS structure and properties, such as media composition and fermentation conditions.
- Compilation of reported biological activities and industrial applications of yeast EPSs.
Main Results:
- Yeast EPSs provide protection to the producing yeast strain against environmental stress.
- Factors like growth media and fermentation conditions significantly impact yeast EPS characteristics.
- Yeast EPSs exhibit promising biological activities and applications in food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries.
Conclusions:
- Yeast exopolysaccharides (EPSs) are a promising area of research due to high yields and versatile applications.
- Further investigation into yeast EPS structure and function is warranted.
- Yeast EPSs hold significant potential for industrial biotechnology and product development.
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