EXOPOLYSACCHARIDES OF LACTIC ACID BACTERIA: THE MANIPULATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL STRESSES TO MODULATE BIOSYNTHESIS FOR INDUSTRIAL APPLICATIONS

Abstract

Exopolysaccharides are biopolymers produced by microorganisms in response to adverse environmental conditions. Exopolysaccharides of lactic acid bacteria are applied in many different fields such as food, pharmaceuticals, and medicine. This review discusses the biological functions of the exopolysaccharide derived from lactic acid bacteria and their response to exopolysaccharide synthesis under environmental stresses. Environmental stress can alter the expression of eps genes, resulting in changes in yield and monosaccharide composition of obtained exopolysaccharides. Therefore, the evaluation aims to clarify the feasibility of using environmental stress to modify exopolysaccharide biosynthesis in lactic acid bacteria for various applications.