Exopolysaccharides produced by microorganisms are rapidly emerging as new and industrially important biomaterials. Due to their unique structures and novel functionality microbial exopolysaccharides have a myriad of commercial applications in fields ranging from agriculture and medicine to the food and pharmaceutical industries. Written by an international team of experts this authoritative volume describes the most recent and innovative research and developments in the field. Topics include: exopolysaccharide production by halophilic and thermophilic microorganisms, exopolysaccharides from Weissella and Leuconostoc, fructan biosynthesis, engineering of microbial polysaccharide structures, molecular modification of levan, levan in medical and biotechnological applications, and much more. Essential reading for everyone with an interest in microbial polysaccharides, from the PhD student to the experienced scientist, this book provides a timely review of the current and most topical areas of research. The volume is a recommended purchase for all commercial and academic laboratories involved in polysaccharides research.