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► Polysaccharides are used as thickeners, stabilizers and gelling agents in food products. ► Some microorganisms can produce over 40gL−1 of EPSs that represent an industrially untapped market. ► An inventory was made of the main EPSs produced by microorganisms (yeasts, bacteria, microalgae). ► Bacteria produce the greatest diversity of molecules and quantities of over 10gL−1. ► Secretory mechanisms exist in microorganisms but extraction methods is often necessary.
Exopolysaccharides (EPSs) produced by microorganisms represent an industrially untapped market. Some microorganisms can produce and excrete over 40gL−1 of EPS in simple but costly production conditions.
Approximately thirty strains of eukaryotic and prokaryotic microorganisms are notable for their EPS production. EPSs are produced in response to biotic and abiotic stress factors and/or to adapt to an extreme environment. The main function of EPSs is to aid in protection against environmental pressures.
Heteropolysaccharides and some homopolysaccharides are synthesised in microbial cells and then secreted into the extracellular environment. More currently, homopolysaccharide synthesis occurs outside of the cells after specific enzymes are exuded.
Although natural secretory mechanisms exist in microorganisms, it is often necessary to resort to physical or chemical extraction methods to improve the yield of EPSs at an industrial level.
In light of growing interest, our basic understanding of microbial EPSs needs to be improved.