Microbial polysaccharide‐based membranes: Current and future applications

Abstract

Microbial polysaccharides are characterized by high molecular structure variability which translates into a wide range of different properties offering interesting opportunities for application in many different areas, including membrane-based products and processes. Due to their new or improved properties, microbial polysaccharides can replace plant, algae, and animal products, either in their traditional or in new applications. The main constraint to their wider use is the production costs that are still higher than that of other natural and synthetic polymers. The current applications of microbial polysaccharide membranes in medical, food, and industrial processes are outlined. The limitations still faced by these membranes and the requirements for obtaining innovative products and processes are also addressed.

Rheological studies of the fucose-rich exopolysaccharide FucoPol

“…Bacterial polysaccharides frequently present distinctive solution properties that are not demonstrated by traditional polymers derived from other natural sources (plants, algae and animals) [6,7]. Examples of commercial bacterial polysaccharides include xanthan gum, gellan gum, fucogel, hyaluronic acid and welan gum.…”

Impact of biopolymer purification on the structural characteristics and transport performance of composite polysaccharide membranes for pervaporation

“…Additionally, microbial polysaccharides may present new or improved properties that make them competitive with other natural polysaccharides, as well as with synthetic polymers (e.g. polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)) [7].…”

Exopolysaccharides from Prokaryotic Microorganisms—Promising Sources for White Biotechnology Processes

“…111 Pullulan, gellan gum, levan, curdlan, hyaluronan, bacterial cellulose, and bacterial alginates are EPSs with film-forming capacity and hence they can find uses as surgical sealants, wound dressings, and coating of solid oral dosage forms (Table 15.2). For tissue engineering applications, these materials are expected to have appropriate degradation rate, porosity, gas and nutrient permeability, and mechanical properties.…”