Activity and Structural Characteristics of Polysaccharides

Dear Colleagues,

Polysaccharides are linear or branched macromolecular compounds composed of multiple monosaccharide units linked by glycosidic bonds, which can be widely found in plants, fungi, and algae. In recent years, the role of polysaccharides both in normal cellular function and in disease has attracted increasing attention, opening up a new frontier for research in the fields of food and medicine. The biological activities of polysaccharides are diverse, including immunomodulation, anti-diabetic effects, and the regulation of the gut microbiota, and are affected by their structural properties, such as molecular weight, type and proportion of constituent monosaccharides, glycosidic linkages, stereostructures, chain conformation, and so on. So far, many fascinating results have been achieved in the research and application of polysaccharides. However, there are still many problems to be solved in basic research. Therefore, we are putting together a Special Issue of the journal Molecules, entitled “Activity and structural characteristics of polysaccharides”, aiming to provide an overview of the most recent advances in the field of polysaccharide preparation techniques, characterization methods for structural and physical properties, and in-depth functional research.

Potential topics include, but are not limited to:

• Advanced methods for extraction and isolation;
• Advanced analytical methodologies for structure analysis;
• Potential structure–bioactivity relationships;
• Receptor identification and mechanism of action;
• Advanced techniques for quality control.

Prof. Dr. Ding-Tao Wu
Dr. Yong Deng
Guest Editors

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