Bio-Based Polymers from Microbes: Expanding Industrial Horizons of Exopolysaccharides

Abstract

Diverse microbes such as fungi, algae and bacteria synthesize extracellular, macromolecular biopolymers, known as microbial exopolysaccharides (EPS), that are secreted outside the cell membranes. EPS possess distinctive physicochemical properties, such as, thickening, gelation, emulsification, biological degradability, and biological compatibility, have rendered EPS of significant importance. This article highlights the importance of microbial EPS in different industrial sectors. Microbial EPS are frequently utilized in the food industry to provide food with a better texture and consistency and increases its shelf life. Moreover, probiotic and functional foods are also manufactured with EPS produced by lactic acid bacteria. Also, the eco-friendly and biological degradable properties have been studied in EPS to develop targeted drug delivery systems, tissue repair, and immunomodulatory in pharmaceutical and biomedical applications. Microbial EPS are also used in cosmetics industry due to its anti-aging hydrating and film-forming effects. In addition, EPS binds soil particles, and possess water-holding capacity, which help the plants to withstand the environmental challenges, and therefore, makes EPS in agriculture an important factor. Despite the challenges associated with the process of manufacturing and purification, microbial EPS remains a viable and sustainable alternative to synthetic polymers.