Biotechnology of Microbial Exopolysaccharides

This volume provides a thorough account of the structure and synthesis of microbial exopolysaccharides.

Ian W. Sutherland (Author)

9780521063944, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 5 June 2008

172 pages
22.9 x 15.2 x 1 cm, 0.266 kg

"...for somebody moving into the field of polysaccharide studies this book is a good starting point, serving as a fine general introductory textbook....well written and easy to follow." Ian S. Roberts, Quarterly Review of Biology

This volume provides a thorough account of the structure and synthesis of microbial exopolysaccharides and of their widespread application across a broad range of industries, including food, oil and medicine. The successful exploitation of these polysaccharides requires a sound scientific understanding of their chemical and physical properties and also their biochemistry and biosynthesis; this volume covers all these aspects in a concise and coherent way. Interest in these polysaccharides has been fuelled by their increasing use in food, in the oil industry and in medicine. The author provides an account of all these areas as well as looking further ahead to speculate how their unique properties might be harnessed for future products and processes.

Preface
1. Introduction and definition
2. Analytical and structural methods
3. Exopolysaccharide structure
4. Exopolysaccharide-degrading enzymes
5. Biosynthesis
6. Physiological aspects of production
7. Genetics and regulation of exopolysaccharide synthesis
8. Physical properties of polysaccharides
9. Industrial uses - food
10. Industrial uses - non-food
11. Medical uses of exopolysaccharides
12. Future prospects
Index.

Subject Areas: Biotechnology [TCB], Microbiology [non-medical PSG]