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Updated: Aug 13, 2026
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A Customizable Approach for the Enzymatic Production and Purification of Diterpenoid Natural Products
Published on: October 4, 2019
Microbial dextran production: biosynthetic mechanism, fermentation strategies, and downstream processing
Sameeha Syed Abdul Rahman1, Ratheeshkumar Shanmugam2, Saroja Pasupathi1
1Bioprocess Engineering Laboratory, Centre for Bioenergy, School of Chemical and Biotechnology, SASTRA Deemed to be University, Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, India.
Preparative Biochemistry & Biotechnology
|August 11, 2026
Summary
Microbial dextran, a versatile α-glucan biopolymer, offers broad applications. This review details sustainable bioprocess engineering strategies to enhance its green production for industrial use.
Area of Science:
- Biotechnology and Bioprocess Engineering
- Microbial Polysaccharide Production
- Green Chemistry
Background:
- Dextran is a microbial homopolymer of α-glucan with diverse applications in food, pharmaceuticals, and biomedicine.
- Its unique properties stem from its α-(1,6) glycosidic backbone and variable branching linkages (α-(1,2), α-(1,3), α-(1,4)).
- Existing literature covers microbial sources and fermentation factors but lacks a focus on sustainable bioprocess engineering for dextran production.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a systematic and comprehensive review of microbial dextran production.
- To identify and elaborate on green bioprocess engineering strategies for enhanced dextran yield.
- To promote sustainable approaches for industrial-scale microbial dextran manufacturing.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of microbial dextran synthesis.
- Analysis of factors influencing fermentation and enzymatic pathways.
- Evaluation of bioprocess engineering strategies for sustainability.
Main Results:
- Dextran's characteristics (molecular mass, compatibility, thermal stability) drive its wide applicability.
- Sustainable bioprocess engineering is crucial for optimizing microbial dextran production.
- Green strategies can enhance dextran yield for industrial demands.
Conclusions:
- Microbial dextran production requires sustainable bioprocess engineering strategies.
- Enhanced green production methods are key to meeting industrial demands.
- This review facilitates the development of eco-friendly dextran manufacturing.
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