Optimization production of exopolysaccharide from Leuconostoc lactis L2 and its partial characterization

Topological structure, rheological characteristics and biological activities of exopolysaccharides produced by Saccharomyces cerevisiae ADT

Saccharomyces cerevisiae ADT is an edible fungus, with limited research on its exopolysaccharides (EPS). Three types of exopolysaccharides (EPS60, EPS80, and EPS100) were obtained through multiple purification steps using varying concentrations of ethanol in this study. The topological structure, rheological properties, and biological characteristics of EPS were investigated. High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) analyses indicated that the three EPS are primarily made up of mannose with a small amount of glucose. Acetyl groups were also found, along with the presence of α-type pyranose and β-type pyranose. The Congo Red test and X-ray diffraction results reflected the absence of a triple helix structure and crystal properties. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) revealed the self-assembly of three exopolysaccharides into various topological structures under different concentration gradients, and a clear network structure of entangled chains was observed. EPS60, EPS80 and EPS100 displayed pseudoplasticity, weak gel behavior and thermal stability. Significantly, EPS exhibited antioxidant activity in a dose-dependent manner and showed no acute cytotoxicity to RAW264.7 and HEK293T cells. Therefore, EPS in this study is anticipated to be utilized in natural antioxidants, medications, and functional materials.

Characterization of exopolysaccharide / starch composite film incorporated with TiO2 nanoparticles and its application in chilled meat preservation

Multifunctional food packaging composite films were prepared using Pediococcus acidilactici J1 exopolysaccharide (EPS), potato starch (PS) and TiO2 nanoparticles by casting method. The microstructure, physicochemical properties and antibacterial activity of EPS/PS composite films with different weight ratio of TiO2 nanoparticles were characterized. Transmission electron microscope (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) revealed the uniform distribution of TiO2 nanoparticles in the EPS/PS matrix. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) results indicated that the interaction between polymers and nanoparticles through non-covalent bonds. When TiO2 nanoparticles were added at 1 % (wt), the composite film had higher barrier properties against water vapor and UV-vis light, and better mechanical properties then EPS/PS film. Notably, EPS/PS/1%TiO2 composite film exhibited good antioxidant and antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Through the analysis of the quality indexes and microbial community structure during the storage of chilled meat, the composite film slowed the oxidation rate of chilled meat and inhibited the growth of dominant spoilage bacteria, effectively extending its shelf life. All results suggested that EPS/PS/1%TiO2 composite film could serve as an effective packaging material for chilled meat, providing a novel approach to solve its limited shelf-life problem.

Antioxidant potential of exopolysaccharides from lactic acid bacteria: A comprehensive review

Exopolysaccharides (EPSs) from lactic acid bacteria (LAB) have multifunctional capabilities owing to their diverse structural conformations, monosaccharide compositions, functional groups, and molecular weights. A review paper on EPS production and antioxidant potential of different LAB genera has not been thoroughly reviewed. Therefore, the current review provides comprehensive information on the biosynthesis of EPSs, including the isolation source, type, characterization techniques, and application, with a primary focus on their antioxidant potential. According to this review, 17 species of Lactobacillus, five species of Bifidobacterium, four species of Leuconostoc, three species of Weissella, Enterococcus, and Lactococcus, two species of Pediococcus, and one Streptococcus species have been documented to exhibit antioxidant activity. Of the 111 studies comprehensively reviewed, 98 evaluated the radical scavenging activity of EPSs through chemical-based assays, whereas the remaining studies documented the antioxidant activity using cell and animal models. Studies have shown that different LAB genera have a unique capacity to produce homo- (HoPs) and heteropolysaccharides (HePs), with varied carbohydrate compositions, linkages, and molecular weights. Leuconostoc, Weissella, and Pediococcus were the main HoPs producers, whereas the remaining genera were the main HePs producers. Recent trends in EPSs production and blending to improve their properties have also been discussed.

Exopolysaccharide from Leuconostoc mesenteroides XR1: Yield optimization, partial characterization and properties

The production conditions of exopolysaccharide (EPS) from Leuconostoc mesenteroides XR1 were optimized by response surface methodology (RSM). Maximum EPS yield was 56.59 ± 0.51 g/L under fermentation conditions with 2.6 g/L ammonium citrate, initial pH 6.5 and temperature 23 °C, which was 6.21-fold greater than the EPS yield before optimization. Characterization of the chain conformation using Congo red test and circular dichroism (CD) showed that EPS exhibited a random coil structure in aqueous solution. The CD results revealed that the EPS concentration altered its hydrogen-bond interactions and chirality, but did not change its chain conformation. The average polydispersity index (PDI) of the EPS solution was only 27.16 %, indicating that it was uniformly distributed in the aqueous solution with high stability. The degradation temperature of EPS was 253.11 °C, indicating high thermal stability. EPS possessed the ability to scavenge activities of free radicals and was protective against oxidative stress-induced plasmid DNA damage. In addition, stable hydrogels could be formed at EPS concentrations above 5 % (w/v). These results collectively showed that EPS can be used commercially as an antioxidant and drug delivery carrier.

Types, synthesis pathways, purification, characterization, and agroecological physiological functions of microbial exopolysaccharides: A review

Exopolysaccharides (EPS), originating from various microbes, are essential bioproducts with widespread applications including packaging, biomedicine, wastewater treatment, cosmetics, agriculture, and food industries. Particularly, in the field of sustainable agriculture, microbial EPS have positive effects on plant growth and have gained considerable interest among agriculturists. However, few studies have elucidated the mechanisms of action of EPS in soil-microbe-plant interactions in agroecosystems. This review focuses on the sources and types of EPS, biosynthetic processes, factors affecting EPS yield, extraction and purification methods employed to produce microbial EPS, and structural characterization methods for EPS. Moreover, the agroecological physiological functions of microbial EPS with respect to promoting soil health (e.g., improving soil structure and fertility and repairing contaminated soil) and plant growth (e.g., plant growth and physiological metabolism under normal and stress conditions, such as salt, drought, heavy metals, and extreme temperatures) are critically highlighted. Furthermore, existing challenges and prospects for agricultural applications are discussed. This review demonstrates that the application of microbial EPS in agriculture provides a new type of green material for agricultural producers to improve soil quality, increase agricultural productivity, and provide new ideas for sustainable agricultural development.

Purification, structural characterization, and bioactive properties of exopolysaccharides from Saccharomyces cerevisiae HD-01

Exopolysaccharides (EPSs), which show excellent biological activities, like anti-tumor, immune regulation, and anti-oxidation activities, have gained widespread attention. In this study, an EPS-producing Saccharomyces cerevisiae HD-01 was identified based on 18S rDNA sequence analysis and an API 20C test. The purified HD-01 EPS was obtained by gel filtration chromatography. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), gel permeation chromatography (GPC), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) revealed that it was a heteropolysaccharide composed of α-1 (38.3%), α-1, 2 (17.5%), α-1, 6 (14.8%)-linked mannose and α-1, 2, 3, 6 (24.3%), α-1 (3.3%), β-1, 4 (1.8%)-linked glucose. Chemical composition and elemental analysis indicated the existence of sulfation modifications. A scanning electron microscope (SEM) and an atomic force microscope (AFM) revealed that it exhibited a flaky structure with thorn-like protrusions on the three-dimensional surface. X-ray diffraction (XRD) revealed that it was an amorphous non-crystalline substance. HD-01 EPS had great thermostability; probiotic properties; strong antioxidant properties to DPPH, ABTS, and hydroxyl; and good reducing power. The MTT, NO, and neutral red assays demonstrated that it had a great immunomodulatory effect on macrophages RAW264.7. All results suggested that the HD-01 EPS had the potential to be applied in the food and pharmaceutical fields.

Structural Characterization and Biological Properties Analysis of Exopolysaccharides Produced by Weisella cibaria HDL-4

An exopolysaccharide (EPS)-producing strain, identified as Weissella cibaria HDL-4, was isolated from litchi. After separation and purification, the structure and properties of HDL-4 EPS were characterized. The molecular weight of HDL-4 EPS was determined to be 1.9 × 10⁶ Da, with glucose as its monosaccharide component. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) analyses indicated that HDL-4 EPS was a D-glucan with α-(1→6) and α-(1→4) glycosidic bonds. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis revealed that HDL-4 EPS was amorphous. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) and atomic force microscope (AFM) observations showed that HDL-4 EPS possesses pores, irregular protrusions, and a smooth layered structure. Additionally, HDL-4 EPS demonstrated significant thermal stability, remaining stable below 288 °C. It exhibited a strong metal ion adsorption activity, emulsification activity, antioxidant activity, and water-retaining property. Therefore, HDL-4 EPS can be extensively utilized in the food and pharmaceutical industries as an additive and prebiotic.

Structure and Properties of Exopolysaccharide Produced by Gluconobacter frateurii and Its Potential Applications

An exopolysaccharide (EPS)-producing bacterium was isolated from apricot fermentation broth and identified as Gluconobacter frateurii HDC-08 (accession number: OK036475.1). HDC-08 EPS is a linear homopolysaccharide mainly composed of glucose linked by α-(1,6) glucoside bonds. It contains C, H, N and S elements, with a molecular weight of 4.774 × 106 Da. Microscopically, it has a smooth, glossy and compact sheet structure. It is an amorphous noncrystalline substance with irregular coils. Moreover, the EPS showed surface hydrophobicity and high thermal stability with a degradation temperature of 250.76 °C. In addition, it had strong antioxidant properties against DPPH radicals, ABPS radicals, hydroxyl radicals and H2O2. The EPS exhibited high metal-chelating activity and strong emulsifying ability for soybean oil, petroleum ether and diesel oil. The milk solidification test indicated that the EPS had good potential in fermented dairy products. In general, all the results demonstrate that HDC-08 EPS has promise for commercial applications as a food additive and antioxidant.

Physicochemical and structural characterisation of a branched dextran type exopolysaccharide (EPS) from Weissella confusa S6 isolated from fermented sausage (Sucuk)

Exopolysaccharide (EPS) producing Lactic Acid Bacteria (LAB) species can be presented in distinct environments. In this study, Turkish fermented sausage (sucuk) was tested for the presence of EPS producer LAB strains and slimy-mucoid colonies were selected for further tests. Among the isolates, Weissella confusa strain S6 was identified and tested for the physicochemical characterisation of its EPS. This strain was found to produce 0.74 g L-1 of EPS in modified BHI medium conditions. Structural characterisation of EPS S6 by 1H and 13C NMR demonstrated that EPS S6 was a highly branched dextran type glucan formed by mainly (1 → 2)-linked α-d-glucose units together with low levels of (1 → 3)-linked α-d-glucose units as branching points. This structure was further confirmed by methylation analysis detected by GC-MS. An average molecular weight of 8 × 106 Da was detected for dextran S6. The FTIR analysis supported the dextran structure and revealed the presence of distinct functional groups within dextran S6 structure. A strong thermal profile was observed for dextran S6 detected by DSC and TGA analysis and dextran S6 revealed a degradation temperature of 289 °C. In terms of physical status, dextran S6 showed amorphous nature detected by XRD analysis. SEM analysis of dextran S6 demonstrated its rough, compact and porous morphology whereas AFM analysis of dextran S6 detected in its water solution showed the irregularity with no clear cross-link within the dextran chains. These technological features of dextran S6 suggests its potential to be used for in situ or ex situ application during meat fermentations.

Exploration of Exopolysaccharide from Leuconostoc mesenteroides HDE-8: Unveiling Structure, Bioactivity, and Food Industry Applications

A strain of Leuconostoc mesenteroides HDE-8 was isolated from homemade longan fermentation broth. The exopolysaccharide (EPS) yield of the strain was 25.1 g/L. The EPS was isolated and purified, and the structure was characterized using various techniques, including X-ray diffraction (XRD), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, high-performance size exclusion chromatography (HPSEC), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The monosaccharide composition of the EPS was glucose, with a molecular weight (Mw) of 1.7 × 106 Da. NMR spectroscopy revealed that the composition of the HDE-8 EPS consisted of D-glucose pyranose linked by α-(1→4) and α-(1→6) bonds. The SEM analysis of the EPS showed an irregular sheet-like structure. Physicochemical analysis demonstrated that EPSs exhibit excellent thermal stability and high viscosity, making them suitable for fermentation in heat-processed and acidic foods. Additionally, milk coagulation tests showed that the presence of EPSs promotes milk coagulation when supplemented with sucrose. It suggests that EPSs have wide-ranging potential applications as food additives, improving the texture and taste of dairy products. This study provides practical guidance for the commercial use of HDE-8 EPSs in the food and related industries.

Structural Characterization and Functional Studies of Exopolysaccharide by Native Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus P14 Isolated from the Moroccan Region

Exopolysaccharides (EPS) are natural polymers synthesized by several microorganisms, including lactic acid bacteria (LAB). They are characterized by a great structural diversity, which gives them interesting biological and pharmacological properties. This work investigates the physicochemical and biological characterization of a new exopolysaccharide (EPS) produced by a wild Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus P14. The functional groups, chemical bonds, and thermal and morphological properties of the purified EPS-P14 were determined using Fourier Transform Infrared, Nuclear Magnetic Resonance, and X-ray diffraction spectroscopies, as well as Thermo-gravimetric analysis, Differential Scanning Calorimetry and Scanning Electron Microscopy. The functional properties, namely antioxidant and emulsifying activities, were also assessed. The physicochemical analysis revealed that EPS-P14 is a porous and thermally stable polysaccharide with a degradation temperature of 307 °C. NMR and FT-IR studies identified it as a homogeneous α-D-glucan with mainly α-(1 → 6) glycosidic linkage and some α-(1 → 3) branching. EPS-P14 was highly water-soluble and exhibited strong emulsifying and stabilizing properties in a concentration-dependent manner. Furthermore, EPS-P14 demonstrated significant DPPH scavenging and ferric-reducing capacities. These findings suggest that EPS-P14 is a bioactive polysaccharide with potential effects, which could be a promising natural candidate for prospective application.

Research on the application of Thelephora ganbajun exopolysaccharides in antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and spot-fading cosmetics

Thelephora ganbajun exopolysaccharides (TGEP) with a "coral-like" branched chain structure (main chain diameter ∼ 80 nm) were prepared by liquid fermentation and fractionated by ion-exchange chromatography. The main fraction (TGEP-2) with the highest in vitro antioxidant capacity was composed of Glc, Man, Gal, GalA, GlcA, Ara, Rha, GlcN, Fuc and Rib in a molar ratio of 465.43:420.43:219.14:188.43:37:35.14:31.43:19.43:11.14:1, with a molecular weight of 1.879 × 104 Da. The sequence of monosaccharide residue release revealed that Gal, Glc and Ara residues were more distributed in the side-branch chains and at their ends, whereas Man and GalA residues were more distributed in the main chains. TGEP-2 contained linear residues (mainly →4)-Glcp-(1 → and →4)-Manp-(1→), branch residues (→3,6)-Glcp-(1→, →4,6)-Glcp-(1 → and →3,6)-Galp-(1→) and terminal residues (Galp-(1→, Manp-(1 → and Glcp-(1→). TGEP-2 consisted of α- and β-glycosidically linked pyranosides, with a triple helical conformation and many long branches. Zebrafish oxidative stress and inflammation models found that TGEP-2 had antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. The zebrafish skin black spot assay showed that TGEP-2 inhibited melanin formation. Therefore, extracellular polysaccharides of T. ganbajun have strong application potential in anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory and skin spot-fading functions cosmetics.

Temperature stress improved exopolysaccharide yield from Tetragenococcus halophilus: Structural differences and underlying mechanisms revealed by transcriptomic analysis

This study aimed to enhance exopolysaccharide production by Tetragenococcus halophilus, and results showed that low temperature (20 °C) significantly improved exopolysaccharide production. Based on the analysis of batch fermentation kinetic parameters, a temperature-shift strategy was proposed, and the exopolysaccharide yield was increased by 28 %. Analysis of the structure of exopolysaccharide suggested that low temperature changed the molecular weight and monosaccharide composition. Transcriptomic analysis was performed to reveal mechanisms of low temperature improving exopolysaccharide production. Results suggested that T. halophilus regulated utilization of carbon sources through phosphotransferase system and increased the expression of key genes in exopolysaccharide biosynthesis to improve exopolysaccharide production. Meanwhile, metabolic pathways involved in glycolysis, amino acids synthesis, two-component system and ATP-binding cassette transporters were affected at low temperature. Results presented in this paper provided a theoretical basis for biosynthetic pathway of exopolysaccharide in T. halophilus and aided to strengthen its production and application in many areas.

Characterization, production optimization, and fructanogenic traits of levan in a new Microbacterium isolate

Levan is a high-valued β-(2,6)-linked fructan with promising physicochemical and physiological properties and has diverse potential applications in the food, nutraceutical, pharmaceutical and cosmetic industry, but its commercial availability is still restricted to the relatively high costs of production. In this study, a strain identified as Microbacterium sp. XL1 was isolated from soil and highly produced exopolysaccharide (EPS). HPLC, FTIR and NMR spectroscopy revealed XL1-EPS is a levan-type fructan connected by β-(2, 6) linkages. SEM, DLS and TGA-DSC analysis showed that XL1-EPS processed high morphological versatility, narrow size distribution in its solutions and excellent thermal stability. The levan yield reached 83.67 ± 4.06 g/L with corresponding productivity of 3.49 ± 0.17 g/L/h and a conversion yield of 39.8 ± 1.9 % using sucrose (210 g/L) as substrates under the optimal cultivation conditions concluded by the response surface methodology (RSM). More strikingly, the XL1 strain also has multi-type fructanases to generate levanbiose, kestose, DFA IV and other L-FOSs. These results suggest Microbacterium sp. XL1 is a promising strain to produce levan and can provide various levan/inulin-degrading enzymes to create a great diversity of FOSs.

Direct Utilization and Conversion of raw Starch to Exopolysaccharides by a newly isolated Amylolytic Streptococcus sp

A newly isolated culture is identified as Streptococcus lutetiensis with significant starch saccharifying activity. Along with considerable amylolytic property (~ 2.71U/mL), the culture exhibited significant production of exopolysaccharide (EPS) in starch medium. Interestingly, the glycosyl transferase activity which is essential in the biosynthesis of polysaccharide is also detected in the culture and after screening and process optimization, a maximum EPS titre of 19.92 ± 0.5g/L was obtained from cassava starch. The crude EPS, after purification and characterization (monosaccharide analysis, FT-IR, TGA, GPC, NMR, and SEM) was found to be of dextran nature with a Mw of 1275.36kDa. Dextran type exopolysaccharide are synthesized by dextransucrase enzyme by the transfer of glucosyl residues from sucrose to dextran polymer. Iinterestingly, the glycosyl transferase enzyme activity which is essential in the biosynthesis of EPS is also detected in the culture. The particle size (447.8 dnm) and the zeta potential (-33.4) analysis of the purified EPS showed that the EPS produced is a stable molecule and has a random coil confirmation when exposed to alkaline condition with shear thinning property. One step conversion of sustainable low-cost starchy raw materials without adding external enzymes for hydrolysis, improved the economic viability of EPS production.

Characterization of Dextran Biosynthesized by Glucansucrase from Leuconostoc pseudomesenteroides and Their Potential Biotechnological Applications

Glucansucrase was purified from Leuconostoc pseudomesenteroides. The glucansucrase exhibited maximum activity at pH 5.5 and 30 °C. Ca²⁺ significantly promoted enzyme activity. An exopolysaccharide (EPS) was synthesized by this glucansucrase in vitro and purified. The molecular weight of the EPS was 3.083 × 10⁶ Da. Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy showed that the main structure of glucan was 97.3% α-(1→6)-linked D-glucopyranose units, and α-(1→3) branched chain accounted for 2.7%. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observation of dextran showed that its surface was smooth and flaky. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) of dextran revealed a chain-like microstructure with many irregular protuberances in aqueous solution. The results showed that dextran had good thermal stability, water holding capacity, water solubility and emulsifying ability (EA), as well as good antioxidant activity; thus it has broad prospects for development in the fields of food, biomedicine, and medicine.

Production, characterization and antioxidant activity of exopolysaccharide from Sporidiobolus pararoseus PFY-Z1

At present, the study on exopolysaccharid is mainly focused on lactic acid bacteria, and the research on exopolysaccharide produced by yeast, especially Sporidiobolus pararoseus, is relatively few. Therefore, the aim of this study was to explore the characterization and antioxidant activities of a novel neutral exopolysaccharide SPZ, which was isolated and purified from S. pararoseus PFY-Z1. The results showed that SPZ was mainly composed of mannose, followed by glucose, with a molecular weight was 24.98 kDa, had O-glycosidic bonds, no crystalline, and no triple helix structure. Based on fourier transform-infrared, high-performance liquid chromatography and nuclear magnetic resonance analyses, SPZ was identified to be a exopolysaccharide with some side chains, presence of α-, β-pyranose ring and nine sugar residues. Furthermore, the morphology features of SPZ have performed a relatively rough and uneven surface, covered with small pores and fissures. Moreover, SPZ had higher antioxidant activities and the maximum scavenging abilities of ⋅OH, NO₂^- and reducing power were 28.05 ± 0.73%, 92.76 ± 1.86% and 0.345 ± 0.024, respectively. Hence, SPZ could be used as a potential antioxidant application in the food and pharmaceutical industries.

Structural Characteristics and the Antioxidant and Hypoglycemic Activities of a Polysaccharide from Lonicera caerulea L. Pomace

In this study, a novel polysaccharide, LPP, was obtained from Lonicera caerulea L. pomace by ultrasonic-assisted heating and was purified by Sephadex G-100. The structural characteristics of LPP showed that the molecular weight (Mw) was 8.53 × 104 Da; that it was mainly composed of galacturonic acid, followed by galactose; that it possessed the characteristic functional groups of polysaccharides; and that it had an absence of O-glycosidic bonds and crystalline and triple helix structures. Furthermore, LPP exhibited a favorable thermodynamic stability and antioxidant, hypoglycemic, and hypolipidemic activities in a dose-dependent manner in vitro, demonstrating that LPP can be used as an agent to regulate glycolipid metabolism. Additionally, the relationship between its bio-activities is discussed in this paper. The results revealed that the RP, •OH, and NO2− radicals had synergistic promoting effects, and polysaccharides with a strong antioxidant ability may have excellent hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic effects. Collectively, these results suggest that LPP has a strong bio-activity, and that Lonicera caerulea L. pomace can be used as a potential polysaccharide source.

Structural characterization of a homopolysaccharide produced by Weissella cibaria FMy 2-21-1 and its potential application as a green corrosion inhibiting film

Steel corrosion is a global issue that affects safety and the economy. Currently, the homopolysaccharide (HoPS) structure of a novel lactic acid bacterium (LAB) is under study, as well as its application as a green corrosion inhibitor. Weissella cibaria FMy 2-21-1 is a LAB strain capable of producing HoPS in sucrose enriched media. The isolated and purified HoPS was characterized by different spectroscopic analyses as a linear α-1,6 dextran adopting a random coil conformation, with high molecular weight and extended size in water. The polysaccharide showed a semi-crystalline organization, which is a requirement for film formation. Its biocoating showed a grainy network structure, with a slightly lesser hydrophobic role in the aqueous environment than in the ionic one. The electrochemical measurements of the steel-HoPS coating showed that the biopolymer layer acts as an anodic-type corrosion inhibitor, with high resistance to corrosion by water and with chloride ions which prevent pitting, a corrosion process typical of bare steel. Few reports have cited the application of LAB HoPS as corrosive coating inhibitors. This work is the first to explore the influence of a structurally characterized dextran from Weissella cibaria strain as a potential steel corrosion inhibitor in ionic environments.

Structural Characterization of Exopolysaccharide Produced by Leuconostoccitreum B-2 Cultured in Molasses Medium and Its Application in Set Yogurt

Sugarcane molasses is an agricultural by-product containing sucrose. In this study, the exopolysaccharide (M-EPS) produced by Leuconostoc citreum B-2 in molasses-based medium was characterized, optimized, and its application in set yogurt was investigated. The structure analysis, including gel permeation chromatography, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and nuclear magnetic resonance, revealed that the M-EPS was a linear dextran composed of D-glucose units, which were linked by α-(1→6) glycosidic bonds with 19.3% α-(1→3) branches. The M-EPS showed a lower molecular weight than that produced from sucrose. The M-EPS was added into the set yogurt, and then the water holding capacity, pH, and microstructure of set yogurt were evaluated. Compared with the controls, the addition of M-EPS improved the water holding capacity and reduced the pH of set yogurt. Meanwhile, the structure of the three-dimensional network was also observed in the set yogurt containing M-EPS, indicating that M-EPS had a positive effect on the stability of set yogurt. The results provide a theoretical basis for the cost-effective utilization of sugarcane molasses.

Analysis of the structure and properties of dextran produced by Weissella confusa

An EPS produced by Weissella confusa H2 was purified through Sephadex G-100, and the preliminary structure characteristics and biological activities of H2 EPS were analyzed. Molecular mass of purified H2 EPS was 2.705 × 10⁶ Da as measured with gel permeation chromatography (GPC). Composition of monosaccharides, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy spectroscopy and fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) showed that the EPS was a linear homopolysaccharide, mainly constituted of glucose and it is suggested that the EPS was dextran with α-(1 → 6) glycosidic bonds and a few α-(1 → 3) branches. Atomic force micrograph (AFM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis of dextran further revealed sheets branched microstructure anchored with many irregular protuberances in aqueous solution. The XRD pattern reflected non-crystalline amorphous nature. In addition, the solubility, water-holding capacity, thermal property, rheological property and heavy metal chelating activity of the purified H2 dextran were determined. The dissolution percentage and water holding capacity of the dextran were 98.78 ± 1.37% and 426.03 ± 7.26%, respectively. The dextran exhibited good hydrophilicity, thermal stability and heavy metal chelating activity. Rheological studies exhibited rotational speed, pH, temperature, metal ions solutions dependent semiviscous nature. These results support its use as an additive in the food and environmental protection fields.

Characterization of a nanoparticulate exopolysaccharide from Leuconostoc holzapfelii KM01 and its potential application in drug encapsulation

Fermentation of Lactic Acid Bacteria (LAB) is considered to be a sustainable approach for polysaccharide production. Herein, exopolysaccharide (EPS)-producing LAB strain KM01 was isolated from Thai fermented dessert, Khao Mak, which was then identified as Leuconostoc holzapfelii. High-performance anion-exchange chromatography, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy suggested that the KM01 EPS comprises α-1,6-linked glucosides. The molecular weight of KM01 EPS was around 500 kDa, but it can form large aggregates formation (MW > 2000 kDa) in an aqueous solution, judged by transmission electron microscopy and dynamic light scattering to be around 150 nm in size. Furthermore, this KM01 EPS form highly viscous hydrogels at concentrations above 5% (w/v). The formation of hydrogels and nanoparticle of KM01 EPS was found to be reversible. Finally, the suitability of KM01 EPS for biomedical applications was demonstrated by its lack of cytotoxicity and its ability to form complexes with quercetin. Unlike the common α-1,6-linked dextran, KM01 EPS can enhance the solubility of quercetin significantly.

The response surface optimization of exopolysaccharide produced by Saccharomyces cerevisiae Y3 and its partial characterization

Response surface methodology (RSM) was used to optimize the conditions of exopolysaccharides (EPSs) by Saccharomyces cerevisiae Y3. The results indicated that the yield of EPS reached 4.52 ± 0.14 g/L with 10.30% (w/v) sucrose, 0.64% (w/v) yeast extract, liquid volume 141.5 mL, which was 2.40 times the original EPS yield. Y3 EPS contained 83.65 ± 0.16% of total sugars, 15.27 ± 0.26% of uronic acid, 0.78 ± 0.02% of protein and 0.30 ± 0.12% of sulfuric acid groups. Y3 EPS maintained a relatively low viscosity, with intrinsic viscosities of 306.58 mL/g (25 °C) and 200.91 mL/g (35 °C), respectively. The EPS had high water solubility index (WSI), high water holding capacity (WHC) and good emulsifying ability (EA). Meanwhile, the EPS could absorb metal ions such as Cu²⁺, Fe²⁺ and Zn²⁺. In addition, Y3 EPS exhibited good antioxidant properties and coagulated skim milk with a concentration-dependent manner. These results indicated that S. cerevisiae Y3 EPS had applicable prospects in medicine, food, especially the dairy industry.