Photostimulation Applied to the Production of Biopolymers (Exopolysaccharides)

The wide range of applications of microbial biopolymers and the extensive world market, have been directing efforts to obtain techniques to optimize their biosynthesis. The photobiomodulation of bioprocesses is a promising tool to consider, has been gaining a prominent place in health, food, environmental and industrial areas. Low power irradiation, emitting in certain parameters (wavelength, energy density, power, irradiated surface, among others), can present biostimulatory results. Stimulating specific targets that encompass terminal enzymes of the respiratory chain, such as cytochrome c oxidase, increasing the electron flow rate and consequently increasing the quantity of available cellular ATP. Radiation emission may also activate intracellular metalloproteins that actively participate in biosynthetic pathways. As a consequence of cell proliferation, chemical signalling mechanisms develop through self-inducers that alter gene expression and regulate metabolic activities, activating cooperative behaviour between micro-organisms. Photostimulation provides a vast field of opportunities, of great economic benefit, establishing sustainable practices, often contributing to the circular economy system, increased productivity and yield from bioprocesses.