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Bacterial polysaccharides-A big source for prebiotics and therapeutics
Raees Khan1, Muhammad Dawood Shah2, Luqman Shah3
1Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Medical Sciences, Rawalpindi, Pakistan.
Frontiers in Nutrition
|November 21, 2022
Summary
Bacterial polysaccharides offer unique therapeutic benefits, acting as antioxidants, anti-inflammatories, and anti-cancer agents. These versatile biopolymers also show promise as prebiotics and in 3D printing applications.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Biochemistry
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Bacterial polysaccharides possess unique structural and physicochemical properties.
- Beyond structural roles, these biopolymers exhibit diverse auxiliary functions.
- Emerging research highlights their therapeutic and health-promoting potential.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the therapeutic mechanisms of bacterial polysaccharides, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-cancer, and anti-microbial properties.
- To explore novel applications of bacterial polysaccharides in areas such as 3D printing.
- To discuss future perspectives, including metagenome-based screening and synthetic microbiome interventions for prebiotic applications.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive literature review of scientific databases (Google Scholar, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science).
- Analysis of studies detailing the properties and applications of bacterial polysaccharides.
- Synthesis of information on therapeutic mechanisms, health impacts, and commercial potential.
Main Results:
- Bacterial polysaccharides demonstrate significant anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-cancer, and anti-microbial activities.
- These biopolymers enhance host health and positively influence gut microbiota.
- Promising applications identified in 3D printing and as prebiotics.
Conclusions:
- Bacterial polysaccharides are valuable biopolymers with broad therapeutic and commercial applications.
- Future research should focus on advanced screening and synthetic microbiome strategies.
- This review provides a comprehensive summary of bacterial polysaccharides' multifaceted roles.
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