Production and Potential Application of Exopolysaccharides Produced by Lactic Acid Bacteria: A Mini Review and Bibliometric Analysis

Exopolysaccharides produced by lactic acid bacteria EPS-LAB are the subject of increasing research due to their functional properties and potential applications in food, pharmaceutical, and biomedical industries. The objective of this bibliometric analysis is to better understand research trends, international collaborations, and the contributions of different countries in this scientific field. The bibliometric study reveals that China, Turkey, and Ireland are the countries with the highest number of publications. Cairo University, the University of Belgrade, and University College Cork stand out with the highest number of publications, each having contributed to 5 articles. The analysis of collaboration networks also shows a strong interdependence among researchers, with notable collaborations between experts such as Luca Tirinato, Monica Marini, and Bruno Torre. In terms of applications, the EPS-LAB are used for their bioactive properties, particularly in the formulation of functional foods, biopolymers, and therapeutic agents. Current research focuses on the discovery of new strains of LAB capable of producing EPS with specific properties, such as modulating the immune response, antitumor activity, and improving the rheological properties of food products. The development of optimized fermentation processes and the exploration of new large-scale production methods are also promising research avenues.