Lactic Acid Bacterial Exopolysaccharides- Its Functional Role, Therapeutic Potential, and Industrial Relevance

Abstract

Exopolysaccharides (EPS) produced by lactic acid bacteria (LAB) are high-molecular-weight polymers composed primarily of carbohydrate units secreted into the extracellular environment. These natural biopolymers have garnered growing attention due to their multifaceted applications in food, health, and biotechnology. EPS synthesized by LAB can be structurally classified into homopolysaccharides and heteropolysaccharides, with their composition and function being strain-specific and influenced by environmental and genetic factors. In food systems, LAB-derived EPS significantly enhance texture, viscosity, water retention, and stability, contributing to improved mouthfeel and sensory properties, particularly in fermented dairy and plant-based products. Moreover, EPS act as natural, clean-label