While water-soluble polymers (WSPs) are versatile chemicals used across industries for thickening and stabilizing, the authors explain that synthetic versions—often termed “microplastics”—are under increasing scrutiny due to environmental concerns and tightening regulations.
The researchers point out that microbial polysaccharides, specifically xanthan gum, represent an advantageous compromise between synthetic and plant-derived materials because their properties can be precisely controlled through fermentation.
According to the study, xanthan gum is the most significant microbial polysaccharide by production volume and offers several sustainable applications in 21st-century agriculture:
Drift Control: As a spray adjuvant, it prevents the formation of fine, driftable droplets and is particularly resistant to mechanical shear.
Encapsulation: It is used in formulations to modify the release of agents or provide them with additional protection.
Soil Improvement: When added to soil, xanthan gum has been shown to increase water retention while reducing evaporation, percolation, and erosion.
Ultimately, the authors provide practical formulation tips to help exploit the full potential of xanthan gum as an eco-friendly alternative to synthetic polymers.
Learn more about this study: https://doi.org/10.1111/1751-7915.13867
Reference:
Berninger, T., Dietz, N., & González López, Ó. (2021). Water‐soluble polymers in agriculture: Xanthan gum as eco‐friendly alternative to synthetics. Microbial Biotechnology, 14(5), 1881–1896.