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Published on: April 11, 2016
Microbial Polysaccharides as Functional Components of Packaging and Drug Delivery Applications
Aigerim Yermagambetova1, Sagdat Tazhibayeva1, Paul Takhistov2
1Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology, Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, Almaty 050040, Kazakhstan.
Abstract:
This review examines microbial polysaccharides' properties relevant to their use in packaging and pharmaceutical applications. Microbial polysaccharides are produced by enzymes found in the cell walls of microbes. Xanthan gum, curdlan gum, pullulan, and bacterial cellulose are high-molecular-weight substances consisting of sugar residues linked by glycoside bonds. These polysaccharides have linear or highly branched molecular structures. Packaging based on microbial polysaccharides is readily biodegradable and can be considered as a renewable energy source with the potential to reduce environmental impact. In addition, microbial polysaccharides have antioxidant and prebiotic properties. The physico-chemical properties of microbial polysaccharide-based films, including tensile strength and elongation at break, are also evaluated. These materials' potential as multifunctional packaging solutions in the food industry is demonstrated. In addition, their possible use in medicine as a drug delivery system is also considered.
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