Health benefits of exopolysaccharide as postbiotics: A review

‘Lactic acid bacteria’ are widely used microorganisms in the fermented food sector around the world. Some lactic acid bacteria are capable of producing exopolysaccharides, as capsules attached to the cell wall, or released extracellularly. Depending on the composition of the EPS, microorganisms may be able to produce it as hetero or homopolysaccharides. There is a wide range of EPS produced in terms of monomers, molecular weights, and structure. Their unique structure and properties, such as biodegradability, biocompatibility, hydrophilic nature, higher purity, anti- inflammatory, anticancer, antibacterial, antioxidant and immune-modulating abilities are of particular interest. With their varied chemical and structural makeup, EPSs in particular serve a variety of purposes in a range of industries, such as dairy, agriculture, biofilm development, cosmetics, and more, proving their biotechnological importance. The review provides a detailed overview about the health benefits of lactic acid bacterial exopolysaccharide as postbiotics.