ABSTRACT

The ability to produce exopolysaccharides (EPS) is common among lactic acid bacteria (LAB), though the physiological role of these molecules is still unknown. When extended with an inoculation loop in cultures that form long strands, some EPS confer a "ropy" character on LAB, which can be detected.When EPS is formed in situ during milk fermentation, they may act as natural biothickener, giving the product adequate consistency, improving viscosity, and reducing syneresis. Furthermore, some of these EPSs may have health-promoting properties. Increased consumer demand for novel dairy products necessitates a better understanding of the effects of EPS on existing products as well as the quest for new strains that produce EPS with desirable properties. In addition, genetically modified organisms capable of producing high levels of EPS or newly engineered biopolymers are seldom used. Exploration of the heterogeneity of wild LAB strains in natural ecological settings is currently the most powerful method for identifying the target EPS phenotype. In recent years, a variety of techniques have been used to screen ropy strains as well as isolate and characterise the EPS responsible for this characteristic. The information available on the methods and techniques used to conduct research on this subject is outlined in this study. The information provided covers LAB-producing EPS screening methods, ropine phenotype detection, and physicochemical and structural characterization of these molecules, including parameters related to their viscosifying properties. To our knowledge, this is the first set of LAB-developed methods for EPS analysis that is publicly accessible. Keywords: Exopolysaccharides (EPS), Lactic acid bacteria (LAB), halobacteria, methanogens
Publication date: 01/04/21

https://ijbpas.com/pdf/2021/April/MS_IJBPAS_2021_APRIL_SPCL_1012.pdf

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https://doi.org/10.31032/IJBPAS/2021/10.4.1012