Cold plasma‐induced modifications in the physico‐functional properties of glucan exopolysaccharide derived from <i>Enterococcus hirae</i> OL616073

Abstract This study evaluated the influence of cold plasma treatment on the physicochemical characteristics of glucan exopolysaccharide (EPS) produced by Enterococcus hirae OL616073 isolated from idli batter. The glucan EPS was exposed to pin‐to‐plate atmospheric cold plasma at 170–230 V for 5–15 min, generating cold plasma‐treated glucan (CPTG). Treatment led to slight reductions in pH (6.5–6.1) and water activity (0.41–0.32), and improved powder flow properties, as indicated by reduced bulk (0.533–0.463 g/mL) and tapped densities (0.747–0.693 g/mL), with corresponding increases in Hausner's ratio and compressibility index. Optical properties improved, showing higher Hue and whiteness index and lower yellowness index. Morphological analysis revealed surface roughness with crevices and grooves, whereas FT‐IR spectra confirmed no alteration in functional groups. Particle size decreased significantly (737.09–497.93 nm), and XRD analysis indicated enhanced amorphousness due to the loss of semicrystalline structure. These structural changes enhanced functional attributes, including water solubility (77.67%–94.73%), water holding (290.57%–323%) and oil binding capacities (379.91%–436.73%). Rheological analysis showed non‐Newtonian shear‐thinning behaviour of the EPS solution. The findings indicate that cold plasma treatment effectively improves glucan EPS for use in biomaterials and food products.