Articulating the exuberant intricacies of bacterial exopolysaccharides to purge environmental pollutants

Abstract

Microbial exopolysaccharide (EPS) is composed of a mixture of macromolecules such as proteins, polysaccharides, humic-like compounds, and nucleic acids, which encase microbial cells in a three-dimensional matrix. The literature shows that the EPS possess significant properties such as renewable, biodegradable, eco-friendly, non-toxic, and economically valued product, representing it as a green alternative to the synthetic polymer. The cost-effective and green synthesis of the EPS must be encouraged by using agro-waste as a raw material. The main objective of the manuscript is to provide a comprehensive update on the various aspects pertaining to EPS, including the economic aspects of EPS production, provide an insight into the latest tools and techniques used for detailed structural EPS characterization along with updates in the integration of CRISPR/Cas9 technology for engineering the modification in EPS production, the role of newly discovered EPR3 as a signalling molecule in plant growth-promoting properties (PGP) or agricultural microbiology. Furthermore, the EPS achieved prospective interest prevailing potential environmental issues which can be subject to EPS treatment including, landfill leachate treatment, decolourization of dye from the effluent or waste generated by an industry, removal of radionuclides, heavy metals and toxic compounds from the various environments (aquatic and terrestrial), industry effluents, waste waters etc. are comprehensively discussed.

Current Trends and Future Perspectives in the Remediation of Polluted Water, Soil and Air—A Review

“…Research by Jiang et al [106] found that bacteria exposed to Cr 6+ experience oxidative stress, thereby reducing their bioremediation efficiency. Therefore, bioremediation can be made more effective by applying genetic engineering, developing enzymes that act on the degradation of pollutants [107,108]. That is, microorganisms' resistant to pollutants are the best choice for genetic manipulation [109,110].…”

Characterization of exopolysaccharides having potential antiviral properties from Priestia aryabattai strain MK1 and Bacillus subtilis strain MK2

“…Antiviral drugs are also used to control viral infections, however, antiviral drug treatment has its own side effects and are considered expensive. Therefore, scientists are looking for economical and natural ways of treatment with no side effects to humans (Mehta et al 2021; Udayakumar et al 2021). In this regard, polysaccharides of bacterial and algal origins are considered safe for human consumption by the US Food and Drug Administration.…”