Isolation and characterization of exopolysaccharide-producing bacteria from fish gut microbiota and evaluation of their functional properties.

The present study was carried out to isolate and characterize exopolysaccharide (EPS)-producing
bacteria from fish gut microbiota and to evaluate the functional and antioxidant properties of the
extracted EPS. The isolates were screened based on morphological and biochemical characteristics,
and EPS was extracted and purified using standard procedures.
Structural characterization of the EPS was performed using Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR)
spectroscopy, which confirmed the presence of characteristic polysaccharide functional groups such
as hydroxyl, carboxyl, and glycosidic linkages. The functional properties of EPS, including waterholding
capacity, water solubility index, foaming capacity, foam stability, and emulsifying activity,
were evaluated, indicating its potential as a natural stabilizing and texturizing agent.
The antioxidant activity of EPS was assessed using DPPH and hydroxyl radical scavenging assays,
which demonstrated notable free radical scavenging potential. Overall, the findings suggest that
microbial EPS produced by fish gut bacteria has potential applications as a functional biopolymer in
food systems. Further studies are required to explore its large-scale production and application