title: Extracellular biopolymeric flocculants. Recent trends and biotechnological importance.
abstract: Many microorganisms secrete extracellular biopolymeric flocculants (EBFs) in the culture broth. This work reviews the development of EBF research and applications. Aspects discussed include a comparison of the chemical and biological flocculating agents, isolation of EBF-producing microorganisms, culture conditions, mechanisms of flocculation, the chemical structure of EBFs, and the role of physicochemical factors in the flocculating activity.
authors.affiliation: Biotechnology Group, Chemical Engineering Department, Tarbiat Modarres University, P.O. Box 14155-4838, Tehran, Iran.
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Salehizadeh
authors.forename: S A
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: Shojaosadati