Unusual exopolysaccharides (EPS) produced by heterotrophic aerobic and mesophilic bacteria originating from hydrothermal vent, were reviewed as a new source of polysaccharidic structures endowed with innovative biological properties. The first step of this study was the structure determination of the EPS GY785, synthesized by Alteromonas infernus. A highly branched nonasaccharidic repetitive unit was identified using chemical modifications and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. This 106 g/mol polysaccharide is composed of glucose, galactose, glucuronic acid, galacturonic acid, and contains a single branched ramification and one sulphate group. The second step was the preparation of low molecular weight bioactive polysaccharides presenting interest... |