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Automated Modular High Throughput Exopolysaccharide Screening Platform Coupled with Highly Sensitive Carbohydrate Fingerprint Analysis
Published on: April 11, 2016
Novel and established applications of microbial polysaccharides
1Institute of Cell and Molecular Biology, Edinburgh University, UK. I.W.Sutherland@ed.ac.uk
Trends in Biotechnology
|February 21, 1998
Summary
Microbial exopolysaccharides like xanthan and dextran are established, with new gelling agents like gellan emerging. Beta-D-glucans show immune and anti-tumor effects, while bacterial cellulose and hyaluronic acid have novel applications.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Microbiology
- Polymer Science
Background:
- Microbial exopolysaccharides, including xanthan and dextran, have long been commercialized.
- Ongoing research seeks novel gelling agents, leading to the identification of gellan.
- Exopolysaccharides possess diverse properties beyond gelling, indicating broad application potential.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the established and emerging applications of microbial exopolysaccharides.
- To explore the novel properties and potential uses of various exopolysaccharides.
- To underscore the significance of these macromolecules in scientific and industrial contexts.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of microbial exopolysaccharides and their applications.
- Analysis of functional properties such as gelling, immune modulation, and material science applications.
- Examination of potential uses in cosmetics, biomaterials, and enzymatic assays.
Main Results:
- Gellan identified as a new gelling agent.
- Beta-D-glucans demonstrate immune modulation and tumoristasis.
- Bacterial cellulose and hyaluronic acid find applications in audio membranes and cosmetics, respectively.
Conclusions:
- Microbial exopolysaccharides offer a wide range of valuable properties and applications.
- Further research into these macromolecules, including their use in oligosaccharide production and enzyme studies, is warranted.
- The versatility of exopolysaccharides suggests continued interest and development in their utilization.
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