Abstract: A method for utilizing a purified exocellular polysaccharide, Zooglan, produced by Zoogloea ramigera, as a viscosity modifier, gellant, drag reducing agent, dispersant, flocculant, or emulsifying agent, wherein the properties of the polymer are dependent on, and can therefore be controlled by varying, the pH, the concentration of polymer, the ionic strength of the solution, and the processing parameters such as mechanical shear.The overall conformation of Zooglan, which is responsible for its functional properties, can be manipulated with pH and/or ionic strength of the solution. For example, the intrinsic viscosity of Zooglan (estimated m.w.=2.times.10.sup.7) can vary from 16 to 170 dl/g in aqueous solution as a function of pH between 2-9 and salt concentration between 0 and 1M KCl. Zooglan is a polyelectrolyte above pH 2. The Zooglan chain is relatively stiff, with a stiffness parameter of 0.02. Zooglan solutions at a concentration above 0.

Abstract: A method for utilizing a purified exocellular polysaccharide, Zooglan, produced by Zoogloea ramigera, as a viscosity modifier, gellant, drag reducing agent, dispersant, flocculant, or emulsifying agent, wherein the properties of the polymer are dependent on, and can therefore be controlled by varying, the pH, the concentration of polymer, the ionic strength of the solution, and the processing parameters such as mechanical shear.The overall conformation of Zooglan, which is responsible for its functional properties, can be manipulated with pH and/or ionic strength of the solution. For example, the intrinsic viscosity of Zooglan (estimated m.w.=2.times.10.sup.7) can vary from 16 to 170 dl/g in aqueous solution as a function of pH between 2-9 and salt concentration between 0 and 1M KCl. Zooglan is a polyelectrolyte above pH 2. The Zooglan chain is relatively stiff, with a stiffness parameter of 0.02. Zooglan solutions at a concentration above 0.