1. TALIB HUSSAIN - PhD Scholar, Institute of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan.
2. NAGEEN HUSSAIN - Assistant Professor, Institute of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of the Punjab, Lahore,
Pakistan.
3. AQSA BASHIR - M.Phil Institute of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan.
4. FIZZAH MUQADDAS - M.Phil University of Engineering and Technology (UET), Lahore, Pakistan.
5. SIDRA GHAFOOR - M.Phil Institute of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan.
6. RABIA IQBAL - M.Phil Institute of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan.
7. ABDULLAH MAQBOOL - MS Institute of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan.
Bacterial exopolysaccharides (EPS) are the extracellular polymers of carbohydrates that forms either capsule or slime layer. EPS is secreted by many microbial genera and their production can be enhanced by using certain metabolic and genetic engineering strategies. Microbial EPS helps the bacterial cell in environmental adaptation, attachment, biofilm formation and stress tolerance. It shows wide range of applications in food and pharmaceutical industries. Additionally, they possess bioactive properties and performs anti-fungal, anti-viral, anti-microbial, antioxidant, antiaging, antiulcer, wound healing, anti-diabetic, anti-cancer, cholesterol lowering and immunomodulatory activities. Immense importance is given to bacterial EPS in human disease development and management. This review article casts a bird eye view on the types of EPS, their biochemical pathway of production, their involvement in causing and management of human diseases and their application in medical and industrial sectors. Collectively, this review article enlightens the comprehensive discussion on bacterial EPS.
Exopolysaccharide; Biofilm; Polymers; Lactic Acid Bacteria; Bioactives; Physiochemical Properties.