Properties and Applications of Polysaccharides

Dear Colleagues,

Polysaccharides are a large family of polymers that are composed of long chains of monosaccharide units (simple sugars) linked together through glycosidic bonds. Because of the diversity of monosaccharides, polysaccharides are also diverse. Cellulose, starch, chitin/chitosan, glycogen, hyaluronic acid, agarose, alginate, xanthan gum, pectin, and dextran are some examples of polysaccharides. They are found in all living organisms and play a vital role in many biological processes. Polysaccharides are also used in a wide range of industrial applications, including food, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, biomedicine, and environmental remediation, thanks to their diverse and versatile properties and their renewable nature.

This Special Issue aims to provide a comprehensive platform for researchers, scientists, and professionals to present their latest findings, cutting-edge research, and innovative applications related to polysaccharides. We welcome original research articles and reviews that delve into the fundamental understanding of the structure and properties of polysaccharides, as well as their novel applications across various fields. Potential topics of interest for this Special Issue include, but are not limited to:

• Synthesis of polysaccharides;
• Extraction and processing of polysaccharides;
• Polysaccharide-based nanomaterials, such as nanofibrils/nanocrystals;
• Modifications of polysaccharides, such as chemical modification, enzymatic modification, and physical modification;
• Structural characterization of polysaccharides;
• Properties of polysaccharides, such as rheology, solubility, and stability;
• Polysaccharide-based foods with favorable textures and health effects;
• Polysaccharide-based functional and smart materials;
• Applications of polysaccharides, such as health (e.g., drug delivery, tissue engineering, and wound healing), environmental remediation, food, food packaging, cosmetics, personal care, and biotechnology

Dr. Fengwei Xie
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

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