Bacterial exopolysaccharides: the natural revolution in biomaterials

Abstract

Biomaterials are materials designed to help repair or replace body tissues by guiding cell growth and organization. To achieve this, three-dimensional structures are used as supports where cells can grow properly. Although many of these materials are synthetic, there is growing interest in bacterial exopolysaccharides, which are natural substances produced by bacteria. Their main function is to protect and help them attach to surfaces. Based on their properties, these compounds can be used in medicine to support the regeneration of tissues such as bone, cartilage, and blood vessels. In addition, they can be used to deliver and release drugs in a controlled way. For these reasons, exopolysaccharides are an innovative and accessible alternative with great potential in the development of new medical solutions.