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 mi cro organisms, culture conditions, mechanisms of flocculation, the chemical structure of EBFs, and the role of physicochemical factors in the flocculating activity. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Inc. All rights reserved.