Exopolysaccharides from Lactobacillus : biosynthesis, characterization, functional aspects and applications in food industry

Abstract

Exopolysaccharides (EPS) are high molecular weight biopolymers produced by a wide range of microorganisms, including lactic acid bacteria (LAB). These polymers can be secreted to the external environment (slime EPS) or adhered to the cell bacterial surface (CPS). Once they are released to the medium, they are able to change its rheology, property that was frequently used by the food industry. Likewise, EPS have been associated with beneficial health effects, making them attractive molecules to be applied as food ingredients.Lactobacillus is a wide genus of LAB including more than 200 species which has been of great interest because strains with technological, as well as functional (probiotic) properties were described. The present chapter reviews the current knowledge about the role of EPS in producing lactobacilli strains, as well the aspects regarding biosynthesis, chemical structure, screening and quantification methods, focusing on the impact of their chemical structure and composition on the possible health benefits and their technological application on novel food products.