Fucose-containing bacterial exopolysaccharides: Sources, biological activities, and food applications

Bacterial exopolysaccharides are high molecular weight polysaccharides that are secreted by a wide range of bacteria, with diverse structures and easy preparation. Fucose, fucose-containing oligosaccharides (FCOs), and fucose-containing polysaccharides (FCPs) have important applications in the food and medicine fields, including applications in products for removing Helicobacter pylori and infant formula powder. Fucose-containing bacterial exopolysaccharide (FcEPS) is a prospective source of fucose, FCOs, and FCPs. This review systematically summarizes the common sources and applications of FCPs and FCOs and the bacterial strains capable of producing FcEPS reported in recent years. The repeated-unit structures, synthesis pathways, and factors affecting the production of FcEPS are reviewed, as well as the degradation methods of FcEPS for preparing FCOs. Finally, the bioactivities of FcEPS, including anti-oxidant, prebiotic, anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, and antimicrobial activities, are discussed and may serve as a reference strategy for further applications of FcEPS in the functional food and medicine industries.

Automated summary

This review provides a systematic summary of the common sources and applications of fucose-containing polysaccharides (FCPs) and fucose-containing oligosaccharides (FCOs), as well as the bacterial strains capable of producing fucose-containing bacterial exopolysaccharide (FcEPS). The review also covers the structures, synthesis pathways, factors affecting production, and degradation methods of FcEPS for preparing FCOs. Additionally, the bioactivities of FcEPS, such as anti-oxidant, prebiotic, anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, and antimicrobial activities, are discussed, providing valuable insights for further applications in the functional food and medicine industries.