Abstract
A slimy-mucinous-type colony of EPS-producing Weissella cibaria PDER21 was isolated and identified. The monomer composition was glucose, showing that the EPS is a glucan type homopolysaccharide, The core structure of (1 -> 6)-linked alpha-D-glucose units including (1 -> 3)-linked alpha-D-glucose branches at a ratio of 93.4/6.6 was revealed by H-1 and C-13 NMR spectra and confirmed by FTIR analysis. The glucan showed a superior thermal stability with almost no degradation in structure up to 300 degrees C. XRD analysis revealed the amorphous structure while SEM analysis confirmed the layer-like morphology. The glucan had an antioxidant activity (89.5%), water-holding capacity (103.7%) and water solubility index (80.7%) values, suggesting that the glucan had a strong level of antioxidant properties; good water binding capacity and excellent solubility. The glucan PDER21 is a polysaccharide possessing a good combination of technical and functional attributes, suggesting a great deal of potential for use in the food industry.