MICROBIAL POLYSACCHARIDES PRODUCED BY LAC TIC-ACID BACTERIA IN THE DAIRY-INDUSTRY

Microbial polysaccharides are an heterogeneous group of biopolymers wi dely used in many industrial fields. In fermented foods, such as dairy products, the optimization of rheological parameters is essential for obtaining final products with given organoleptic and industrial chara cteristics. In lactic acid bacteria, the use of ropy strains opens int eresting perspectives, thanks to the stabilizing property of the produ ced polymers in the rheological behaviour and texture of fermented mil k. In this review, emphasis is put on exopolysaccharides producing the rmophilic and mesophilic lactic acid bacteria, which are important in the dairy industry.