Acetan and Acetan-Like Polysaccharides: Genetics, Biosynthesis, Structure, and Viscoelasticity | JoVE Visualize

Acetan and Acetan-Like Polysaccharides: Genetics, Biosynthesis, Structure, and Viscoelasticity

Janja Trček^1,2, Iztok Dogsa³, Tomaž Accetto⁴

¹Department of Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, University of Maribor, SI-2000 Maribor, Slovenia.

Polymers|April 3, 2021

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

Bacteria produce versatile polysaccharides like acetan, valuable for industry due to their natural and sustainable properties. A new study reveals a second acetan genetic cluster, common in Komagataeibacter and Acetobacter bacteria.

Area of Science:

Microbiology
Biochemistry
Biotechnology

Background:

Bacteria synthesize diverse polysaccharides with industrial applications.
Acetan, an extracellular polysaccharide from Komagataeibacter and Acetobacter, is valued for its properties.
Recent research has advanced understanding of acetan's biosynthesis, structure, and genetics.

Purpose of the Study:

To review current knowledge on acetan biosynthesis, structure, genetics, and properties.
To identify and analyze genetic clusters responsible for acetan-like polysaccharide production.
To investigate the prevalence of acetan genetic clusters in Komagataeibacter and Acetobacter.

Main Methods:

Literature review of acetan biosynthesis, structure, genetics, and properties.
Bioinformatic analysis of acetan-like polysaccharide genetic clusters in bacterial genomes.
Comparative genomics of Komagataeibacter and Acetobacter species.

Main Results:

A comprehensive review of acetan's biological and mechanical characteristics.
Discovery of a second, widespread acetan-like polysaccharide genetic cluster.
Identification of acetan genetic clusters in all Komagataeibacter species and one-third of Acetobacter species.

Conclusions:

Acetan and related polysaccharides are significant microbial products with broad industrial potential.
The newly identified genetic cluster expands the understanding of acetan biosynthesis.
The distribution of acetan genetic clusters provides insights into bacterial evolution and polysaccharide production.