ABSTRACT
Microbial polysaccharides are produced through well-controlled processes. This chapter provides relevant details related to the structure, production, functionality, and regulatory status of alternan, elsinan, and scleroglucan. To manufacture elsinan, the microorganisms are grown in a culture medium that contains suitable carbon and nitrogen sources. Since elsinan can be used to create many shapes with unique properties, it can serve various purposes in the food industry. The properties of alternan make it potentially suitable for food applications. The properties of scleroglucan gum depend on its molecular mass, the recovery method used, and the extent of its purity. Scleroglucan designates a class of glucans, having a similar structure, produced by fungi of the genus Sclerotium. It is almost impossible to get samples of alternan or elsinan gums and, therefore, there are no recipes using these gums. Moreover, the samples of scleroglucan that are available in the market are not food-grade.
