title: Bacterial exopolysaccharides: biosynthesis pathways and engineering strategies.
abstract: Bacteria produce a wide range of exopolysaccharides which are synthesized via different biosynthesis pathways. The genes responsible for synthesis are often clustered within the genome of the respective production organism. A better understanding of the fundamental processes involved in exopolysaccharide biosynthesis and the regulation of these processes is critical toward genetic, metabolic and protein-engineering approaches to produce tailor-made polymers. These designer polymers will exhibit superior material properties targeting medical and industrial applications. Exploiting the natural design space for production of a variety of biopolymer will open up a range of new applications. Here, we summarize the key aspects of microbial exopolysaccharide biosynthesis and highlight the latest engineering approaches toward the production of tailor-made variants with the potential to be used as valuable renewable and high-performance products for medical and industrial applications.
authors.affiliation: Chair of Chemistry of Biogenic Resources, Technische Universität München Straubing, Germany.
authors.forename: Jochen
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Schmid
authors.affiliation: Chair of Chemistry of Biogenic Resources, Technische Universität München Straubing, Germany.
authors.forename: Volker
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Sieber
authors.affiliation: Institute of Fundamental Sciences, Massey University Palmerston North, New Zealand ; The MacDiarmid Institute for Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology Palmerston North, New Zealand.
authors.forename: Bernd
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Rehm
keywords: bacterial exopolysaccharides; biosynthesis; gene clusters; polysaccharide engineering; tailor-made exopolysaccharides