Exopolysaccharide biosynthesis - Escherichia coli O104:H4 2009EL-2071 (EAEC)

Extracellular polysaccharides or exopolysaccharides (EPS) are diverse macromolecules synthesized by microorganisms and secreted into the surrounding environment. Major parts of biofilms for bacterial communities are formed by exopolysaccharides, such as colonic acid, alginate, Psl polysaccharide, poly-N-acetyl-glucosamine and vibrio polysaccharide. Other examples of EPSs include amylovoran and stewartan in plant-pathogenic bacteria, as well as industrially used xanthan.