Microbial polysaccharides as a prospective base for new materials

Abstract

icrobial polysaccharides (MPS) have high structural variety which leads to a wide diversity of their applications. Main characteristics of these polymers produced by microorganisms are nontoxicity, biocompatibility and biodegradability, which is a significant advantage compared to synthetic polymers. Many of the MPS show a number of attractive properties. Among the most studied MPS is the beta-glucan from S. cerevisiae, due to its antitumor/antiviral activity and possessing a bifidogenic effect. Pullulan from A. pullulans has excellent properties as the result of its unique structure. Levan from B. licheniformis strain has potential for many applications, including synthesis of nanoparticles.