Biopolymers Bioremediation

Extra cellular polymeric substances (EPS) produced by microorganisms are a complex mixture of biopolymers primarily consisting of polysaccharides, as well as proteins, nucleic acids, lipids, and humic substances. EPS make up the intercellular space of microbial aggregates and form the structure and architecture of the biofilm matrix. The key functions of EPS are comprised of the mediation of the initial attachment of cells to different substrate, and protection against environmental stress and dehydration. The latter has a profound impact on an array of biomedical, biotechnical, and industrial fields including pharmaceutical and surgical applications, food engineering, bioremediation. 

Initially, P. putida strains were evaluated as degrader for aromatic xenobi-otics in bioremediation processes [38, 128, 129], as plant-growth promoting microorganism [130], as well as biocontrol agent [131]. Today, P putida is regarded as an efficient producer for biotechnological production of a broad portfolio of biopolymers, chemicals, and pharmaceuticals [11]. However, most... 

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