Progress in the Application of Extracellular Polysaccharides of Weissiella in Fermented Foods

Exopolysaccharides (EPS) are natural high polymers metabolized into the extracellular space by lactic acid bacteria during their growth. EPS have a broad spectrum of biological activities including antitumor, antioxidant, cholesterol-lowering, and intestinal microflora balance promoting functions. They can also be used as a food thickening agent, emulsifier, and stabilizer. Weissella, which was discovered recently, has a strong ability to produce EPS. This article mainly reviews the sources of Weissella and the synthesis pathway, classification, functions and application in fermented foods of EPS produced by Weissella. Hopefully, this review will provide a scientific basis for the processing and application of EPS from Weissella.