Biomedical Applications of Bacterial Exopolysaccharides: A Review

Polymers (Basel). 2021 Feb 10;13(4):530. doi: 10.3390/polym13040530.

Abstract

Bacterial exopolysaccharides (EPSs) are an essential group of compounds secreted by bacteria. These versatile EPSs are utilized individually or in combination with different materials for a broad range of biomedical field functions. The various applications can be explained by the vast number of derivatives with useful properties that can be controlled. This review offers insight on the current research trend of nine commonly used EPSs, their biosynthesis pathways, their characteristics, and the biomedical applications of these relevant bioproducts.

Keywords: alginate; bacteria; biomedical; cellulose; dextran; exopolysaccharides; gellan; hyaluronic acid; levan; xanthan gum.

Publication types

  • Review