Production and Modifications of Polysaccharides for Biotechnological Applications

The wide industrial applications of polysaccharides have been recognized in food, feed, bioremediation, and biomedical fields. Their biocompatibility, biodegradability, and non-toxic nature make them ideal candidates for drug delivery, tissue engineering, wound dressing, and surgical treads. Polysaccharide-derived products exhibit antimicrobial, antioxidative, antidepressant, and immunomodulatory activities. The saccharide polymers can be synthesized by plants, algae, and microorganisms naturally. However, microbial polysaccharides have diversity in structure and biological function and serve as raw materials for the synthesis of different materials. Therefore, screening of extracellular polysaccharide-producing microorganisms with higher yield and improved functional properties is required to meet the increasing industrial demand for these molecules. Moreover, the presence of -OH groups in polysaccharides offers an ideal scaffold for the introduction of various new functional groups through chemical and enzymatic methods, which allows the development of unique compounds for many biotechnological applications.

Since sustainability in all fields of life including health, food, and the environment is the most important task to achieve by the world in the coming years, the use of natural molecules for therapeutic, agriculture, and maintaining the green environment is increasing drastically. Because of the extensive applications of polysaccharides in the development of pharmaceutical materials and functional foods, biosynthesis of polysaccharides research has emerged as increasingly important. However, detailed biological investigations on carbohydrates are restricted due to their production glitches and structural complexity. Scientists are proposing different strategies to manufacture and modify saccharide biopolymers for biotechnological applications. Pure and high-quality exopolysaccharide (EPS) production is highly desirable for structural characterization, bioactivity tests, and understanding the biosynthesis and metabolic engineering of EPSs for their chemical modifications and widespread interdisciplinary applications. Synthetic biology approaches are supposed to play a significant role in developing polysaccharides in simple and facile ways. Continuous efforts are being made by many scientists to develop advanced techniques for the production, extraction, separation, purification, and structural analysis of polysaccharides. Therefore, it is highly desirable to share recent advancements in the production and modifications of polysaccharides for the utilization of these molecules for human benefit. The main purpose of this Special Issue is to provide a platform for sharing momentous research work in the field of polysaccharides production for their applications in the food, feed, agriculture, and pharmaceutical industry with anticipation to archive the latest technological developments and applications in the field.

This Special Issue will act as a hub to collect and catalyze ideas in both, the development of new methods for the production, structural identification, and modifications of polysaccharides as well as their biotechnological applications. In recognition of rapid advancement in the area of polysaccharides production and modifications for industrial applications, we are pleased to invite submissions of original research, review, short communication, mini-review, and opinions for a Special Issue in the following areas related to microbial polysaccharides.

- Biomaterials,
- Non-digestible fibers,
- Biomedical applications,
- Biomembranes,
- Hydrogels,
- Drug delivery,
- Nutraceuticals,
- Personal care,
- Environmental sustainability.