The Lactobacillus kefiranofaciens ZW3 exopolysaccharide(EPS) was produced by strain Lactobacillus kefiranofaciens subsp.kefiranofacien ZW3 isolated from Tibet kefir,and was characterized for its physiochemical properties.Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy revealed the presence of carboxyl,hydroxyl,and amide groups,which correspond to a typical heteropolymeric polysaccharide.The gas chromatographic analysis of ZW3 EPS revealed that it was composed of galactose and glucose only.Exopolymer showed similar flocculation stability like xanthan gum but better than guar gum.Compared with commercially available hydrocolloids such as xanthan gum,guar gum and locust gum ZW3 EPS showed much better emulsifying capability and thus has the potential of being an emulsifying agent in commercial emulsions.These characteristics make ZW3 exopolymer as a good potential candidate for industrial usage,especially in food industry.