Microbial β-glucans: Relevance in Food Packaging and Preservation

As durable packaging films increasingly replace the standard, petroleum-based, non-degradable polymer films, further research on the techniques involved in the synthesis and scaling up of these biological polymers in packaging and preservation is in high demand. Microbial β-glucans: Relevance in food packaging and preservation synthesizes the latest research on this topic and offers a compendium of the various facets of β-glucans extracted from microbial sources. β-glucans covered include Gellan Gum, Pullulan, Xanthan Gum, and Curdlan. A useful guide for microbiologists and industry stakeholders, this book offers systemic approaches to the commercial synthesis of each glucan polymer, through either genetic or metabolic engineering. Finally, a discussion of impacts on human health and of the larger safety and environmental implications, as well as regulatory status of these polymers, leaves readers with a complete understanding of the current industry landscape and of imminent advancements.