title: Blends and composites of exopolysaccharides; properties and applications: A review.
abstract: Exopolysaccharides are synthesized by bacteria and secreted into the external environment and they may be homopolymeric or heteropolymeric in configuration. They are believed to protect bacterial cells from heavy metals, desiccation or other environmental effect. EPS exhibit antitumor, anti-HIV, emulsion stabilization capacity, shear-thinning activity, suspension ability, high viscosities, excellent biocompatibility, high biodegradability and immunomodulatory properties. They are widely used in herbicides, functional food, nutraceuticals, cosmeceuticals, pharmaceuticals, insecticides, immunomodulation and anticoagulants. This review shed light on the properties and versatile applications of xanthan, curdlan, hyaluronic acid and dextran blends and composites with natural and synthetic polymers.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Chemistry, Government College University, Faisalabad 38030, Pakistan.
authors.forename: Abid
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Hussain
authors.affiliation: Institute of Chemistry, Government College University, Faisalabad 38030, Pakistan.
authors.forename: Khalid Mahmood
authors.initials: KM
authors.lastname: Zia
authors.affiliation: Institute of Chemistry, Government College University, Faisalabad 38030, Pakistan.
authors.forename: Shazia
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Tabasum
authors.affiliation: Institute of Chemistry, Government College University, Faisalabad 38030, Pakistan.
authors.forename: Aqdas
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Noreen
authors.affiliation: Department of Biotechnology, Government College University, Faisalabad 38030, Pakistan.
authors.forename: Muhammad
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Ali
authors.affiliation: Institute of Pure and Applied Biology, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan.60800, Pakistan.
authors.forename: Rehana
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Iqbal
authors.affiliation: Institute of Chemistry, Government College University, Faisalabad 38030, Pakistan. Electronic address: mohammadzuber@gmail.com.
authors.forename: Mohammad
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Zuber
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D019380:Anti-HIV Agents / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology; D062610:Fungal Polysaccharides / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000494:pharmacology; D006801:Humans; D011135:Polysaccharides, Bacterial / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000494:pharmacology; D047071:beta-Glucans / Q000737:chemistry
chemical_list: D019380:Anti-HIV Agents; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D062610:Fungal Polysaccharides; D011135:Polysaccharides, Bacterial; D047071:beta-Glucans; C038459:curdlan; C002563:xanthan gum
keywords: Biomedical applications; Curdlan; Dextran; Food industry; Hyaluronic acid; Xanthan