Exopolysaccharides, known as bacterial EPS, are complex sugar polymers that bacteria secrete into their environment. EPSs play a crucial role in bacterial survival and proliferation by protecting cells from environmental threats. They also contribute to proper adhesion to numerous surfaces through biofilm production. Bacterial EPS display a wide range of biological activities conferred by their outstanding physical and chemical properties, which make them great candidates for medical and industrial applications. The main biological activities recorded up-to-day include antioxidant, anticancer, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antibacterial, immune-modulatory and chelating properties. They also can be used as thickening agents in the industry or as additives to improve soil quality in agriculture. The current review offers a thorough overview of bacterial EPS, their biosynthesis processes and regulation, and biotechnological strategies to increase their production. The review also unravels the main extraction, purification, and identification techniques and highlights the key functional features of these complex molecules.

The distribution and abundance of the various truffle species are influenced by the climate, soil, and vegetation conditions. The setting of these characteristics is necessary for the potential species’ cultivation. Here, we describe the ecological characteristics of Moroccan truffles and desert truffles and their associations with host plants. We also determine the climate and soil parameters relating to the geographic distribution and fructification of truffles and desert truffles. In contrast to truffles, which are found in sub-humid environments, desert truffles are found in semi-arid and arid regions of Morocco. The dissemination of desert truffles in the Mamora forest and oriental regions of Morocco is typically linked to the presence of Helianthemum sp., whereas the existence of truffles (Tuber spp.) in the Middle Atlas depends on the subsistence of Quercus ilex and Q. faginea. The truffles’ and desert truffles’ fructification depends mainly on the precipitation frequency. Terfezia arenaria and Tuber oligospermum, the two major desert truffles of Mamora forest, require an annual rainfall of 435 mm on average in slightly acidic soil. While the oriental and Highland desert truffles, namely Terfezia boudieri, T. claveryi, and Tirmania spp., require an annual precipitation average of 123 to 267 mm and a high CaCO₃ content. Otherwise, there is Tuber aestivum, localized in humid regions with a rainfall rate of more than 650 mm, and found under calcareous soil rich in organic matter with the presence of potential host plants, such as oaks, cedars, and pines. Our findings open up the possibility of successful cultivation of truffles and desert truffles having an economic interest through understanding their ecological requirements in Morocco.