Biological functions of exopolysaccharides from probiotic bacteria

Abstract

It is well established that probiotic bacteria have beneficial influence on health of the host. The pro biotic effects ascribed to lactic acid bacteria, the major probiotics, result not only from the action of whole microorganisms and cell wall components, but also from the action of extracellular polysaccharides (exopolysaccharides – EPS). However, the mechanisms responsible for these effects are still poorly understood, especially the immunoregulatory properties of EPS are not well defined. This review attempts to answer the question what is the role of EPS in bacteria physiology, biofilm formation, and whether EPS can contribute to immunomodulatory potential of probiotic lactic acid bacteria?