Microbial polysaccharides containing 6-deoxysugars
Abstract
Microorganisms producing polysaccharides rich in 6-deoxysugars are widely distributed among bacteria, algae and fungi isolated from different environments and having different metabolic capabilities. Culture conditions leading to the screening of microorganisms producing these polysaccharides as well as parameters promoting their production necessitated the use of media containing high carbon-nitrogen ratios. Methods for extracting polysaccharides and for measuring their 6-deoxysugars content are either colorimetric or required the use of analytical chromatography. Successful purification procedures leading to pure 6-deoxysugars included ion-exchange chromatography. Among the different applications of these polysaccharides is their use as substrates in the chemical synthesis of flavoring agents.