Fractionation and Functional Characterization of Limnospira platensis Extracellular Polysaccharides as Potential Food Ingredients from Recycled Cultivation Media
Abstract
Limnospira platensis is a promising sustainable biomass for functional food production. During cultivation, it secretes extracellular polysaccharides (EPS) with underutilized potential as food ingredients. This study aimed to strategically fractionate Spirulina EPS (SEPS) by molecular weight (MW: 100 kDa) to elucidate their structure-function relationships for targeted food applications. We found distinct functional diversification: The mid-MW fraction (SEPS-2, 30–100 kDa) was an amphiphilic glycoprotein complex with potential interfacial activity. The high-MW fraction (SEPS-3, >100 kDa) formed a dense, glucose-rich glucan network, suggesting utility as a natural thickener or texturizer. In contrast, the low-MW fraction (SEPS-1,
Fields of Study & Subjects
Polysaccharides and Plant Cell Walls
Polysaccharides Composition and Applications
Food composition and properties
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Foods
- Publisher
- MDPI AG
- Volume
- 15
- Issue
- 10
- Pages
- 1801–1801
- Publication date
- 19 May 2026
- Language
- EN