Uses of gellan gum for nutrient delivery

Gellan gum (GG) is a linear negatively charged polymer microbial polysaccharide with proven biocompatibility and biodegradability. Its unique structure and physicochemical characteristics make GG an attractive prospect for various industries, with various potential applications in food, pharmaceutical, and biomedical fields. One of its most interesting characteristics is its pH-dependent tunable behavior. This, in conjunction with its resistance to most human enzymes’ activity, known capacity to interact with most biological molecules, and its recognition as Generally Recognized as Safe, makes GG an interesting prospect for the development of macro and micronutrients, tunable delivery solutions capable of delivering contents to specific parts of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Thus this chapter aims to compile, in a thorough approach, the presently available knowledge on this topic, with particular focus on how GG survives the GI tract and its capacity to transport macro and micronutrients to different locations.