Читать книгу Polysaccharides - Группа авторов - Страница 137

A large number of biologically active polysaccharides are available with varying structural and biological activities. Unique physicochemical and biological characteristics of natural polysaccharides, together with biocompatibility, renewability, and nontoxicity properties, make them ideal candidates for applications in many different fields including health, environment, food, and energy. However, despite the favorable features of polysaccharide-based materials, there are still drawbacks to overcome. For instance, there is a risk that a natural polysaccharide may cause the overactivation of the immune system due to its heterogeneous complex structure, insufficient level of chemical and biological purity and/or manufacturing processes. Besides, the composition of many natural polysaccharides can vary depending on the season, population age, species and geographical origin. Also, many challenges are faced during the purification and modification steps of polysaccharides, especially during surface modifications and assembly processes. Another challenge is the development of biopolysaccharide based composites to achieve multifunctional materials to fit several needs. Although the sophistication of this line of research has increased dramatically in recent years, still further efforts are required.

Research into polysaccharides, like proteins and nucleic acids, is one of the most important cutting-edge topics to explore life. Examination of the structural characteristics and structure–function aspects, assessment of proper purity, and development of new and sensitive methods to accurately determine the purity of isolated polysaccharides, and investigations of novel and functional modification methods to obtain functionally improved polymers are essential for further developments in polysaccharide field.