Open AccessMicrobial alginate production, modification and its applications
Author(s) -
Hay Iain D.,
Rehman Zahid Ur,
Moradali M. Fata,
Wang Yajie,
Rehm Bernd H. A.
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
microbial biotechnology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.287
H-Index - 74
ISSN - 1751-7915
DOI - 10.1111/1751-7915.12076
Subject(s) - biochemical engineering , textile , chemistry , bacteria , polysaccharide , nanotechnology , materials science , biochemistry , biology , genetics , engineering , composite material
Summary Alginate is an important polysaccharide used widely in the food, textile, printing and pharmaceutical industries for its viscosifying, and gelling properties. All commercially produced alginates are isolated from farmed brown seaweeds. These algal alginates suffer from heterogeneity in composition and material properties. Here, we will discuss alginates produced by bacteria; the molecular mechanisms involved in their biosynthesis; and the potential to utilize these bacterially produced or modified alginates for high‐value applications where defined material properties are required.