Abstract
Exopolysaccharides (EPSs) are high molecular weight and biodegradable polymers. They are biosynthesized by a wide range of bacteria. Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) are also able to produce EPSs. EPSs can be classified into two groups. These are homopolysaccharides and heteropolysaccharides. Homopolysaccharides are polymers which are composed of one type of monosaccharide. Heteropolysaccharides are polymers of repeating units. They are composed of two or more types of monosaccharides. Producer microorganisms don’t use the bacterial EPSs as energy sources. EPSs have been used in the production of several fermented foods such as thickeners, stabilizers, emulsifiers and gelling or water-binding agents. In addition, EPSs have some positive effects on health. These are to have antitumor effects, immune-stimulatory activity and to lower blood cholesterol. Incubation temperature and time, growth medium, acidity of growth medium and type of strain have an impact on EPSs production. In this review, EPSs production by LAB, including chemical composition, structure, biosynthesis, genetics and application of EPSs produced by LAB is discussed
Highlights
Exopolysaccharides Production by Lactic Acid BacteriaReceived date: April 27, 2016; Accepted date: May 18, 2016; Published date: May 20, 2016
Exopolysaccharides (EPSs) are formed monosaccharide residues of sugar and sugar derivatives
lactic acid bacteria (LAB) is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) microorganisms and their capabilities to produce EPSs have wide diversity of structures without health risk [3]
Summary
Received date: April 27, 2016; Accepted date: May 18, 2016; Published date: May 20, 2016.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
