This volume provides a thorough account of the structure and synthesis of microbial exopolysaccharides.This volume provides a thorough account of the structure and synthesis of microbial exopolysaccharides and of their widespread application across a broad range of industries, including food, oil and medicine. The successful exploitation of these polysaccharides requires a sound scientific understanding of their chemical and physical properties and also their biochemistry and biosynthesis.This volume provides a thorough account of the structure and synthesis of microbial exopolysaccharides and of their widespread application across a broad range of industries, including food, oil and medicine. The successful exploitation of these polysaccharides requires a sound scientific understanding of their chemical and physical properties and also their biochemistry and biosynthesis.This volume provides a thorough account of the structure and synthesis of microbial exopolysaccharides and of their widespread application across a broad range of industries, including food, oil and medicine. The successful exploitation of these polysaccharides requires a sound scientific understanding of their chemical and physical properties and also their biochemistry and biosynthesis.Preface; 1. Introduction and definition; 2. Analytical and structural methods; 3. Exopolysaccharide structure; 4. Exopolysaccharide-degrading enzymes; 5. Biosynthesis; 6. Physiological aspects of production; 7. Genetics and regulation of exopolysaccharide synthesis; 8. Physical properties of polysaccharides; 9. Industrial uses - food; 10. Industrial uses - non-food; 11. Medical uses of exopolysaccharides; 12. Future prospects; Index. ...for somebody moving into the field of polysaccharide studies this book is a good starting point, serving as a fine general introductory textbook....well written and easy to follow. Ian S. Roberts, Quarterly Review of Biology