Microbial Exopolysaccharides: A Promising Health Booster

Abstract

Microbial exopolysaccharides (EPS) are long-chain polysaccharides that are synthesized and secreted by microorganisms into the external matrix. In bacteria, EPS can either be associated with the cell surface in the form of capsules or be secreted into the environment. The yield of EPS is influenced by various factors, including the growth conditions and composition of the growth media. EPSs are high molecular-weight carbohydrates that consist of a backbone of repeated subunits of monosaccharides in varying ratios. Recently, there has been an increasing interest in EPS-producing microbes with Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) status. These food-grade organisms have the potential to produce polymers that can control the rheological and functional properties of food systems. EPSs have also been reported to have prebiotic and immune-modulating functions like anticancer, antidiabetic, antiviral, etc. The increasing recognition of the association between EPS and health benefits suggests the potential of EPS-producing starters with functional characteristics in the production of value-added functional products. Such products align with consumer demand for natural and healthy alternatives with fewer additives. The exploration of functional means of EPS in Pharmacology will provide an opportunity to identify novel and robust microbial resources producing unique EPSs.