Exopolysaccharides Produced by Rhizobium: Production, Composition and Rheological Properties

The use of exopolysaccharides (EPS) in industrial product formulations has increased in recent years due to their ability to increase the viscosity of solutions or cause the formation of gels, affecting the texture of products. In industry, EPS can be added as gelling, thickening and stabilizing agents in foods, pharmaceuticals and cosmetics. In this context, EPS from nitrogen-fixing rhizobial bacteria are emerging as potential biopolymers for industrial applications. However, the establishment of cultivation conditions, their chemical structure and physicochemical characteristics, such as rheological behavior, are essential to enable their use on a large scale. Furthermore, the possibility of using byproducts and agroindustrial wastes as substrates can contribute to the economic feasiability of the process. In this context, this article aims to present a review of EPS synthesized by different strains of Rhizobium in relation to their production, composition and rheological properties.