Marine Microbial Polysaccharides: An Untapped Resource for Biotechnological Applications

Abstract

As the largest habitat on Earth, the marine environment harbors various microorganisms of biotechnological potential. Indeed, microbial compounds, especially polysaccharides from marine species, have been attracting much attention for their applications within the medical, pharmaceutical, food, and other industries, with such interest largely stemming from the extensive structural and functional diversity displayed by these natural polymers. At the same time, the extreme conditions within the aquatic ecosystem (e.g., temperature, pH, salinity) may not only induce microorganisms to develop a unique metabolism but may also increase the likelihood of isolating novel polysaccharides with previously unreported characteristics. However, despite their potential, only a few microbial polysaccharides have actually reached the market, with even fewer being of marine origin. Through a synthesis of relevant literature, this review seeks to provide an overview of marine microbial polysaccharides, including their unique characteristics. In particular, their suitability for specific biotechnological applications and recent progress made will be highlighted before discussing the challenges that currently limit their study as well as their potential for wider applications. It is expected that this review will help to guide future research in the field of microbial polysaccharides, especially those of marine origin.

Inhibition of LPS-Induced Skin Inflammatory Response and Barrier Damage via MAPK/NF-κB Signaling Pathway by Houttuynia cordata Thunb Fermentation Broth

“…It has been shown that the Clavispora lusitaniae produces extracellular polysaccharides during metabolism. These polysaccharides have a variety of physiological and pharmacological activities, such as anti-tumor, anti-aging and anti-infection [41]. The advantage of using microbial fermentation to prepare fermentation broth for direct applications in food and cosmetics is that no organic reagents are required in the fermentation process that may produce substances in their metabolism that are beneficial to the fermentation substrate in terms of its efficacy.…”

Development of Biological Coating from Novel Halophilic Exopolysaccharide Exerting Shelf-Life-Prolonging and Biocontrol Actions for Post-Harvest Applications

“…Due to their features viz. antimicrobial, antioxidant, good flavor, gelling agent, drug carrier, surfactant, flocculating, emulsification etc., EPSs are utilized in a wide range of industries including food, paint, textile, medicine, pharmaceutical, and agriculture [2,3]. Microbial EPSs have widespread applicability and commercial value viz.…”