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Polymers
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Natural Polymeric Materials: Polysaccharides and Carbohydrate Polymers, 2nd Edition
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Natural Polymeric Materials: Polysaccharides and Carbohydrate Polymers, 2nd Edition

A special issue of Polymers (ISSN 2073-4360). This special issue belongs to the section "Circular and Green Sustainable Polymer Science".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 June 2026 | Viewed by 8090

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Agnieszka Feliczak-Guzik

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Guest Editor
Faculty of Chemistry, Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań, Uniwersytetu Poznańskiego 8, 61-614 Poznań, Poland
Interests: synthesis, modification and applications of novel nanoporous materials (e.g. hierarchical zeolites); nanomaterials characterization techniques; application of heterogeneous catalysis to obtain fine chemicals; new materials used in the processing of biomass
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Agata Wawrzyńczak

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Guest Editor
Faculty of Chemistry, Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań, Uniwersytetu Poznańskiego 8, 61-614 Poznań, Poland
Interests: mesoporous materials; biomaterials; functionalization and surface modification; characterization and analysis of materials; heterogeneous catalysis; catalysts' preparation; catalysis on metals; acid-base catalysis; active substance-delivery systems
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue continues the exploration of recent research advances in the polysaccharides and carbohydrate polymers, following the success of the first volume of the Special Issue, which published six regular papers. Further details can be found below:

https://www.mdpi.com/journal/polymers/special_issues/95FA54Y8FE

Natural polymeric materials (NPMs) perfectly fit the increasingly common trend of green and sustainable chemistry. Within this group, biopolymers based on carbohydrates, particularly polysaccharides, should be distinguished, since they are readily available at low costs, making them one of the main building blocks of plants. Therefore, growing interest in research on the preparation, modification, and potential application of NMPs as structural components and carriers of active substances (e.g., in pharmaceutic and cosmetic products or functional foods), as well as in separation processes, biotechnology, and energy storage, may be observed. This indicates that NPMs may constitute an alternative to the currently used synthetic polymers, and this field of research carries enormous potential, both in the area of basic research and application.

Accordingly, this Special Issue is devoted to the most recent high-quality original research papers or comprehensive reviews covering all aspects of the synthesis, structural modification, characterization, and application of carbohydrate/polysaccharide-based natural polymeric materials.

Dr. Agnieszka Feliczak-Guzik
Dr. Agata Wawrzyńczak
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Polymers is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2700 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • synthesis and characterization of carbohydrate/polysaccharide-based NPLs
  • structural modifications and functionalization of carbohydrate/polysaccharide-based NPLs
  • encapsulation processes
  • drug-delivery systems
  • polysaccharide-based bionanocomposites
  • polysaccharide-based hydrogels
  • polysaccharide-based membranes
  • electroactive NPLs

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Related Special Issue

Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

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20 pages, 2824 KB  
Article
Development of a Water-in-Oil Microemulsion Template for Chitosan Nanogel Fabrication via Genipin Crosslinking
by Namon Hirun, Pakorn Kraisit, Supaporn Santhan, Siriporn Kittiwisut and Pattaporn Poonsawas
Polymers 2026, 18(4), 473; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym18040473 - 13 Feb 2026
Viewed by 426
Abstract
This study presents a promising strategy for the fabrication of a novel chitosan-based nanogel-in-oil system by integrating the development of a water-in-oil (W/O) microemulsion containing chitosan as a template, followed by crosslinking with genipin, a natural crosslinking agent, via emulsion crosslinking. To develop [...] Read more.
This study presents a promising strategy for the fabrication of a novel chitosan-based nanogel-in-oil system by integrating the development of a water-in-oil (W/O) microemulsion containing chitosan as a template, followed by crosslinking with genipin, a natural crosslinking agent, via emulsion crosslinking. To develop the W/O microemulsion template, nanometer-sized internal aqueous droplets were successfully formed in cottonseed oil, a vegetable oil, using a blend of nonionic surfactants, polysorbate 80 and sorbitan monooleate. A pseudoternary phase diagram was constructed to investigate the phase behavior of systems composed of chitosan solution, mixed surfactant, and cottonseed oil. Compositions falling within the monophasic region were selected for further formulation optimization. The microemulsions were characterized for droplet size, size distribution, electrical conductivity, and viscosity. The optimal microemulsion exhibited W/O characteristics with the lowest viscosity. Dynamic light scattering (DLS) analysis confirmed the presence of uniformly distributed nanometer-sized droplets, as evidenced by a Z-average diameter of 92.9 ± 2.3 nm and a PDI of 0.100 ± 0.072. The microemulsion system demonstrated physical stability, as confirmed by centrifugal testing. Crosslinking of chitosan with genipin was monitored by fluorescence intensity measurements of the crosslinking products. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy further confirmed the formation of genipin-crosslinked chitosan structure. DLS and transmission electron microscopy revealed that the nanogels possessed nanoscale dimensions and discrete spherical morphologies. Overall, this approach demonstrates a viable route for producing a nanogel-in-oil system by combining microemulsion templating with emulsion crosslinking. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Polymeric Materials: Polysaccharides and Carbohydrate Polymers, 2nd Edition)
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21 pages, 4305 KB  
Article
Scalable Production of Low-Molecular-Weight Chitosan: Comparative Study of Conventional, Microwave, and Autoclave-Assisted Methods
by Mithat Çelebi, Abdullah Tav, Mehmet Arif Kaya and Zafer Ömer Özdemir
Polymers 2026, 18(2), 213; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym18020213 - 13 Jan 2026
Viewed by 555
Abstract
The valorization of shrimp shell waste is crucial for promoting sustainability and a circular economy. This study aimed to extract chitin from the exoskeletal residues of deep-water rose shrimp (Parapenaeus longirostris) sourced from the Marmara Sea and synthesize low-molecular-weight chitosan (LMWC) [...] Read more.
The valorization of shrimp shell waste is crucial for promoting sustainability and a circular economy. This study aimed to extract chitin from the exoskeletal residues of deep-water rose shrimp (Parapenaeus longirostris) sourced from the Marmara Sea and synthesize low-molecular-weight chitosan (LMWC) via conventional, microwave-, and autoclave-assisted deacetylation pathways. The shell biomass was subjected to sequential demineralization (1 M HCl) and deproteinization (1 M NaOH), yielding 14.42% chitin. The extracted chitin was then converted to LMWC using the three methods, and the products were characterized using FT-IR spectroscopy, titration, viscometry, SEM, and TGA. The results demonstrated that the autoclave-assisted method achieved the highest degree of deacetylation (DD) at 95%, significantly outperforming the conventional method (81%) and the microwave-assisted method (67%). The autoclave-synthesized chitosan also exhibited the lowest viscosity (33 cP), confirming its low molecular weight. Morphological analysis showed that chitin exhibited a well-defined fibrous structure. After deacetylation, this structure transformed into a rough and porous surface morphology. Thermal analysis further demonstrated that the laboratory-synthesized chitosan exhibited higher thermal stability than the commercial chitosan sample. In conclusion, the autoclave-assisted method proved to be highly efficient for producing low-molecular-weight chitosan with a high degree of deacetylation. However, the conventional method remains the most practical option for scalable industrial production due to its simplicity and well-established infrastructure. Moreover, the laboratory-synthesized chitosan exhibited higher thermal stability, increased porosity, and a higher degree of deacetylation compared to commercially available chitosan, which may offer functional advantages in applications requiring enhanced reactivity, solubility, or thermal resistance. Overall, the findings provide valuable insights into selecting appropriate deacetylation strategies for producing low-molecular-weight chitosan with tailored properties, thereby bridging the gap between laboratory-scale synthesis and potential industrial applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Polymeric Materials: Polysaccharides and Carbohydrate Polymers, 2nd Edition)
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15 pages, 2260 KB  
Article
Molecular Association Between Short Linear Maltodextrin and Ferulic Acid and the Exploration of Its Applicability
by Shigesaburo Ogawa, Daisuke Sugitani, Minenosuke Matsutani, Mizuho Takayashiki and Atsushi Kawano
Polymers 2026, 18(2), 166; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym18020166 - 7 Jan 2026
Viewed by 496
Abstract
Short linear maltodextrin (SLMD) mixtures, which are modified from starch, comprise approximately 10 linear glucose molecules. In this study, we explored the noncovalent molecular association of SLMD with ferulic acid (FA) in aqueous and solid systems, as well as its applicability to water-in-oil [...] Read more.
Short linear maltodextrin (SLMD) mixtures, which are modified from starch, comprise approximately 10 linear glucose molecules. In this study, we explored the noncovalent molecular association of SLMD with ferulic acid (FA) in aqueous and solid systems, as well as its applicability to water-in-oil (W/O) emulsion systems. Results showed that SLMD interacts with FA at a 1:1 molar ratio with an average equilibrium constant of 13.3 M−1 in pure water. Changes in ellipticity in the involved circular dichroism absorption spectrum and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy revealed that multipoint direct interactions exist between SLMD and FA suggesting complex formation through inclusion. Complexation does not impede the radical scavenging ability of FA; instead, there is an additive effect with a slight contribution from SLMD. SLMD crystals with a high FA content were obtained for B-type amylose. However, no strong interaction between the solid forms of SLMD and FA was recognized. For both SLMD aq. and W/O emulsions with different FA concentrations, the UV protection effect increased due to the solubility enhancement of FA by SLMD. Overall, this study demonstrates the ability and potential importance of SLMD to associate with functional components in water and solid systems and the applicability to emulsified systems. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Polymeric Materials: Polysaccharides and Carbohydrate Polymers, 2nd Edition)
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27 pages, 2581 KB  
Article
Multivariate Statistical Optimization of a Modified Protocol of the Ionic Polyelectrolyte Pre-Gelation Method to Synthesize Alginate–Chitosan-Based Nanoparticles
by Ángela J. Rodríguez-Talavera, Sara Gálvez-Rodríguez, Juan M. Rodríguez-Díaz and Edgar Pérez-Herrero
Polymers 2026, 18(1), 77; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym18010077 - 26 Dec 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 483
Abstract
Alginate [ALG] and chitosan [CS] are biomaterials of importance in drug-delivery because of their ability to form ionically-crosslinked nanosystems and polyelectrolyte-complexes under mild conditions. Here, a modified ionic-polyelectrolyte-pre-gelation method, with a controlled addition of reagents and sonication throughout the process, is reported to [...] Read more.
Alginate [ALG] and chitosan [CS] are biomaterials of importance in drug-delivery because of their ability to form ionically-crosslinked nanosystems and polyelectrolyte-complexes under mild conditions. Here, a modified ionic-polyelectrolyte-pre-gelation method, with a controlled addition of reagents and sonication throughout the process, is reported to produce ALG¬¬-CS-based NPs. A mathematical study of the effects of the factors with influence in the process on the properties of NPs has been performed using a two-phase-design-of-experiment-based procedure, something never done to our knowledge. The concentration of ALG, CS and CaCl2 and the ratio ALG:CS have significant influence on polydispersity (PDI), surface-charge (ZP) and encapsulation efficiency (EE%) of NPs. Moreover, CS flow rate has a significant effect over PDI and EE%. Thus, the values of ALG, CS and CaCl2 concentration (mg/mL), ALG:CS (mL:mL) and CS flow rate (mL/min) to obtain the minimum-expected PDI (0.168) or the optimized EE% (86.7) are {0.30, 0.79, 1.00, 2.50:1.00, 0.86} or {0.30, 1.00, 1.00, 2.50:1.00, 2.00}, with ALG:CaCl2 (mL:mL) and CaCl2 flow rate (mL/min) fixed at 2.50:0.31 and 1.25. Although most of the conditions yielded highly-negative particles (minimum-expected of −67.8 mV using 0.69, 0.30 and 0.13 mg/mL of ALG, CS and CaCl2 and ALG:CS of 2.50:0.59 mL:mL), varying the mass ratio of ALG:CS allowed for the generation of positively-charged particles (up to +21.1 mV with 0.30, 1.00 and 0.61 mg/mL of ALG, CS and CaCl2 and ALG:CS of 2.50:1.00 mL:mL). In both cases, ALG:CaCl2 (mL:mL), CaCl2 and CS flow rates (mL/min) were fixed at 2.50:0.31, 1.25 and 1.25. The model for the NPs size depends only on CS and CaCl2 concentrations, with the minimum- or maximum-expected (160 or 635 nm) at 0.30 and 1.00 or 1.00 and 0.30 of CS and CaCl2, although the method allows a wide range of sizes (144.0–1965.0 nm). Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Polymeric Materials: Polysaccharides and Carbohydrate Polymers, 2nd Edition)
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20 pages, 5198 KB  
Article
Expandable Gastroretentive Films Based on Anthocyanin-Rich Rice Starch for Improved Ferulic Acid Delivery
by Nattawipa Matchimabura, Jiramate Poolsiri, Nataporn Phadungvitvatthana, Rachanida Praparatana, Ousanee Issarachot and Ruedeekorn Wiwattanapatapee
Polymers 2025, 17(17), 2301; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym17172301 - 25 Aug 2025
Viewed by 1959
Abstract
Ferulic acid (FA) is a bioactive compound known for its potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties; however, its poor water solubility significantly limits its bioavailability and therapeutic potential. In this study, a solid dispersion of FA (FA-SD) was developed using Eudragit® EPO via [...] Read more.
Ferulic acid (FA) is a bioactive compound known for its potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties; however, its poor water solubility significantly limits its bioavailability and therapeutic potential. In this study, a solid dispersion of FA (FA-SD) was developed using Eudragit® EPO via the solvent evaporation method, achieving a 24-fold increase in solubility (42.7 mg/mL) at a 1:3 drug-to-polymer ratio. Expandable gastroretentive films were subsequently formulated using starches from Hom-Nil rice, glutinous rice, and white rice, combined with chitosan as the primary film-forming agents, via the solvent casting technique. Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) K100 LV was incorporated as an adjuvant to achieve controlled release. At optimal concentrations (3% w/w starch, 2% w/w chitosan, and 2% w/w HPMC), the films exhibited favorable mechanical properties, swelling capacity, and unfolding behavior. Sustained release of FA over 8 h was achieved in formulations containing HPMC with either Hom-Nil or glutinous rice starch. Among the tested formulations (R6, G6, and H6), those incorporating Hom-Nil rice starch demonstrated the most significant antioxidant (10.38 ± 0.23 μg/mL) and anti-inflammatory (9.26 ± 0.14 μg/mL) effects in murine macrophage cell line (RAW 264.7), surpassing the activities of both free FA and FA-SD. These results highlight the potential of anthocyanin-rich pigmented rice starch-based expandable films as effective gastroretentive systems for enhanced FA delivery. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Polymeric Materials: Polysaccharides and Carbohydrate Polymers, 2nd Edition)
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Review

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40 pages, 2346 KB  
Review
Towards Enhanced Electrospinning of Alginate—Can Recent Strategies Overcome Limitations? A Review
by Paulina Wróbel, Julia Zwolińska, Daniel Szopa and Anna Witek-Krowiak
Polymers 2025, 17(16), 2255; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym17162255 - 20 Aug 2025
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2697
Abstract
Electrospun alginate nanofibers are emerging as versatile materials for biomedical, environmental, and packaging applications due to their biocompatibility, biodegradability, and functional tunability. However, the direct electrospinning of alginate remains a significant challenge, mainly due to its polyelectrolytic nature, rigid chain structure, and limited [...] Read more.
Electrospun alginate nanofibers are emerging as versatile materials for biomedical, environmental, and packaging applications due to their biocompatibility, biodegradability, and functional tunability. However, the direct electrospinning of alginate remains a significant challenge, mainly due to its polyelectrolytic nature, rigid chain structure, and limited chain entanglement. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of recent strategies developed to overcome these limitations, including polymer blending, chemical modification, the addition of surfactants, multi-fluid techniques, and process optimization. We systematically discuss the integration of nanofibers with functional agents such as microorganisms, bioactive compounds, plant extracts, and nanoparticles, highlighting their potential in wound healing, active packaging, bioremediation, and controlled release systems. This review also examines the scalability of alginate electrospinning, summarizing recent patents, industrial solutions, and challenges related to the standardization of the process. Key knowledge gaps are identified, including the need for long-term stability studies, structure–function correlations, green processing approaches, and expansion into novel application domains beyond healthcare. Addressing these research directions will be crucial to unlocking the full potential of alginate nanofibers as sustainable, high-performance materials for industrial use. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Polymeric Materials: Polysaccharides and Carbohydrate Polymers, 2nd Edition)
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