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Review
. 2024 Mar 6;10(3):183.
doi: 10.3390/gels10030183.

Gellan Gum as a Unique Microbial Polysaccharide: Its Characteristics, Synthesis, and Current Application Trends

Raghad Abdl Karim Abdl Aali  1 , Shayma Thyab Gddoa Al-Sahlany  1
Affiliations
Review

Gellan Gum as a Unique Microbial Polysaccharide: Its Characteristics, Synthesis, and Current Application Trends

Raghad Abdl Karim Abdl Aali et al. Gels. .

Abstract

Gellan gum (GG) is a linear, negatively charged exopolysaccharide that is biodegradable and non-toxic. When metallic ions are present, a hard and transparent gel is produced, which remains stable at a low pH. It exhibits high water solubility, can be easily bio-fabricated, demonstrates excellent film/hydrogel formation, is biodegradable, and shows biocompatibility. These characteristics render GG a suitable option for use in food, biomedical, and cosmetic fields. Thus, this review paper offers a concise summary of microbial polysaccharides. Moreover, an in-depth investigation of trends in different facets of GG, such as biosynthesis, chemical composition, and physical and chemical properties, is emphasized. In addition, this paper highlights the process of extracting and purifying GG. Furthermore, an in-depth discussion of the advantages and disadvantages of GG concerning other polysaccharides is presented. Moreover, the utilization of GG across different industries, such as food, medicine, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, etc., is thoroughly examined and will greatly benefit individuals involved in this field who are seeking fresh opportunities for innovative projects in the future.

Keywords: Sphingomonas; application; gellan; gelrite; hydrogels.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Chemical structures of gellan gum: (A) natural high-acyl gellan and (B) low-acyl gellan.
Figure 1
Figure 1
Chemical structures of gellan gum: (A) natural high-acyl gellan and (B) low-acyl gellan.
Figure 2
Figure 2
The metabolic pathway of Sphingomonas bacteria to produce gellan gum.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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