Unleashing the potential of xanthan: a comprehensive exploration of biosynthesis, production, and diverse applications

Employing aerobic fermentation, Gram-negative bacteria belonging to the genus Xanthomonas produce the high molecular weight natural heteropolysaccharide known as xanthan. It has various amounts of O-acetyl and pyruvyl residues together with D-glucosyl, D-mannosyl, and D-glucuronyl acid residues in a molar ratio of 2:2:1. The unique structure of xanthan allowed its various applications in a wide range of industries such as the food industry, pharmacology, cosmetics and enhanced oil recovery primarily in petroleum. The cultivation medium used in the manufacture of this biopolymer is critical. Many attempts have been undertaken to generate xanthan gum from agro-based and food industry wastes since producing xanthan gum from synthetic media is expensive. Optimal composition and processing parameters must also be considered to achieve an economically viable manufacturing process. There have been several attempts to adjust the nutrient content and feeding method, temperature, pH, agitation and the use of antifoam in xanthan fermentations. Various modifications in technological approaches have been applied to enhance its physicochemical properties which showed significant improvement in the area studied. This review describes the biosynthesis production of xanthan with an emphasis on the importance of the upstream processes involving medium, processing parameters, and other factors that significantly contributed to the final application of this precious polysaccharide.