Extracellular Polymeric Substances Produced by Rhodococcus Actinomycetes for Biomedical and Environmental Applications

Extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) produced by Rhodococcus actinomycetes play crucial roles in their ecological success, metabolic versatility, and biotechnological value. This review summarizes existing studies of Rhodococcus EPS, emphasizing the biochemical composition, functional attributes, practical significance of EPS, and their importance in biomedicine, bioremediation and other applications (food industry, biomineralization) in regard to the EPS chemical composition and biological roles. Rhodococcus species synthesize complex EPS composed primarily of polysaccharides, proteins and lipids that support cell adhesion, aggregation, and biofilm formation. EPS produced by different species of Rhodococcus exhibit diverse structures, leading to variations in their biological activities. Notably, the EPS exhibit marked emulsifying and flocculating properties, contributing to their recognized role in bioremediation. Furthermore, EPS possess antiviral, antibiofilm, anti-inflammatory, anti-proliferating activities and high viscosity which are perspective in terms of biomedical and food applications. Despite extensive industrial and environmental interest, the molecular regulation, biosynthetic pathways, and structural diversity of Rhodococcus EPS remain insufficiently characterized. Advancing our understanding of these biopolymers could expand new applications in biomedicine, bioremediation, and biotechnology.