Exocellular yeast polysaccharides, structural

Numerous examples further illustrate the great value of the Smith degradation in determinations of the fine structure of polysaccharides. They include studies on arabinoxylans, mesquite gum, an exocellular yeast mannan, and a type-specific bacterial polysaccharide. Branching patterns in complex types of glycoproteins from several different origins have been elucidated, and detailed structures of gum exudates, seed polysaccharides, and pectic sub-... 

At present, the discovery of new polysaccharides relies on screening of the extracellular polysaccharides produced by microorganisms. Fungi and yeasts are also potential sources of new polysaccharides. The production of microbial polysaccharide has the advantages of controlled cost, abundant supply and ease of modification of the chemical structure. These new polysaccharides with new properties may generate new market opportunities. Microbial polysaccharides can be classified as extracellular structural or intercellular storage forms. Extracellular polysaccharide can be either exocellular capsules of the cell wall or loose slime components that accumulate outside the cell wall and then diffuse into the medium. 

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