Extracellular biopolymeric flocculants. Recent trends and biotechnological importance.
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.
Salehizadeh
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Biotechnology Group, Chemical Engineering Department, Tarbiat Modarres University, P.O. Box 14155-4838, Tehran, Iran.
Shojaosadati
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