Xanthan gum biosynthesis and application: a biochemical/genetic perspective

• Published in: Applied microbiology and biotechnology Vol. 50; no. 2; pp. 145 - 152
• Main Authors: Becker, A, Katzen, F, Puhler, A, Ielpi, L
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Berlin Springer 01-08-1998; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: Bacteria; Biological and medical sciences; Biology of microorganisms of confirmed or potential industrial interest; Biosynthesis; Biotechnology; Carbohydrate Sequence; Food processing; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; Industrial applications and implications. Economical aspects; Industrial production; Mission oriented research; Molecular Sequence Data; Physical properties; Physiology and metabolism; Polymers; Polysaccharides, Bacterial - biosynthesis; Xanthomonas campestris - genetics; Xanthomonas campestris - metabolism; Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris; Pseudomonadales; Industrial production; Thickening agent; Industrial application; Xanthan gum; Biosynthesis; Metabolic pathway; Review; Emulsifier; Xanthomonas campestris; Gelling agent; Stabilizer agent; Food industry; Bacteria; Pseudomonadaceae; Genetics
• ISSN: 0175-7598; 1432-0614
• DOI: 10.1007/s002530051269

Xanthan gum is a complex exopolysaccharide produced by the plant-pathogenic bacterium Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris. It consists of D-glucosyl, D-mannosyl, and D-glucuronyl acid residues in a molar ratio of 2:2:1 and variable proportions of O-acetyl and pyruvyl residues. Because of its physical properties, it is widely used as a thickener or viscosifier in both food and non-food industries. Xanthan gum is also used as a stabilizer for a wide variety of suspensions, emulsions, and foams. This article outlines aspects of the biochemical assembly and genetic loci involved in its biosynthesis, including the synthesis of the sugar nucleotide substrates, the building and decoration of the pentasaccharide subunit, and the polymerization and secretion of the polymer. An overview of the applications and industrial production of xanthan is also covered.