ABSTRACT
Earth's surface is covered by approximately 71% water, which offers a rich source of biodiversity. During the timecourse of evolution, the marine ecosystem developed various kinds of biological mechanisms to produce a variety of potent and unique natural molecules. These molecules assist the microbes in surviving the harsh marine conditions such as different degrees of salinity, temperature, light, and pressure. Thus, marine organisms can be considered as a potent source for the production of micro (terpenoids, polyethers, polyketides, lipoproteins, and small antimicrobial peptides), and macro (proteins, glycolipids, and polysaccharides) novel biomolecules with biotechnological potential. For decades, numerous marine exopolysaccharides have been studied for their production, structural elucidation, and functional properties. Researchers believed that they may have applications in various industrial sectors in the near future as they are of natural origin and thus would offer minimal or no chance of side effects. Despite the great diversity of exopolysaccharides producing marine microorganisms, only a few of them have been commercialized, and most of their particular applications are as yet unknown. There are few constraints to their full commercialization due to high substrate cost, low yield and extensive downstream processing cost. The present book chapter attempts to provide comprehensive information about production, process development, and applications of various polysaccharides obtained from marine environments. Difficulties faced by researchers in developing processes for production of these biopolymers and major bottlenecks of commercialization of these molecules are discussed. Finally, the chapter also attempts to envisage future potential and develop a roadmap for research activities on marine microbial polysaccharides.
