Microbial exopolysaccharides (EPSs) are biopolymers produced by microorganisms under environmental stress, offering biodegradable and environmentally friendly alternatives to synthetic polymers. They are used in various industries, including food, pharmaceuticals, biomedicine, cosmetics, textiles, and environmental remediation. Common EPSs include homopolysaccharides like dextran, bacterial cellulose, curdlan, and levan, and heteropolysaccharides like xanthan gum, alginate, gellan, and kefiran. Recent research highlights the potential of extremophile bacteria in producing EPSs with novel protective and biological features. This review discusses the functional properties, applications, and challenges of EPSs, emphasizing their role in sustainable and innovative materials. Bibliometric analysis shows increasing research activity, with key journals and countries contributing significantly. EPSs are versatile, with applications in food, medicine, environmental protection, and biotechnology. Their unique properties, such as biodegradability, thermal stability, and water retention, make them valuable for various industries. Despite challenges in production and cost, EPSs offer sustainable alternatives to synthetic materials. The review highlights the importance of EPSs in developing functional and sustainable materials, emphasizing the need for further research and exploration.Microbial exopolysaccharides (EPSs) are biopolymers produced by microorganisms under environmental stress, offering biodegradable and environmentally friendly alternatives to synthetic polymers. They are used in various industries, including food, pharmaceuticals, biomedicine, cosmetics, textiles, and environmental remediation. Common EPSs include homopolysaccharides like dextran, bacterial cellulose, curdlan, and levan, and heteropolysaccharides like xanthan gum, alginate, gellan, and kefiran. Recent research highlights the potential of extremophile bacteria in producing EPSs with novel protective and biological features. This review discusses the functional properties, applications, and challenges of EPSs, emphasizing their role in sustainable and innovative materials. Bibliometric analysis shows increasing research activity, with key journals and countries contributing significantly. EPSs are versatile, with applications in food, medicine, environmental protection, and biotechnology. Their unique properties, such as biodegradability, thermal stability, and water retention, make them valuable for various industries. Despite challenges in production and cost, EPSs offer sustainable alternatives to synthetic materials. The review highlights the importance of EPSs in developing functional and sustainable materials, emphasizing the need for further research and exploration.