Chapter Two - Synthesis, characterization, and modification of natural polysaccharides

Abstract

The ever-increasing interest to utilize natural polysaccharides has gained increased attention because polysaccharides behave as smart materials and offer a variety of properties that can be exploited in several applications. These natural polysaccharides having immense structural possibilities for modifications exhibit outstanding properties, functions and applications in biomedical, pharmaceutical, chemical, cosmetics, environmental and agricultural area. Due to their versatility and unique characteristics, such as hydrophilicity, film-forming ability, biodegradability, biocompatibility, easy fabrication techniques, aqueous insolubility, physiological inertness, antibacterial and antifungal activity and nontoxicity, natural polysaccharides have clearly points to an immense potential for future development. Polysaccharides like cellulose, chitosan, carrageenan, alginate, starch, guar gum, pectin etc. can be easily processed into gels, sponges, membranes, beads and scaffolds forms. Among the numerous processing techniques, the modification of polysaccharides through irradiation has achieved the increased interest in terms of clean and green environment friendly chemistry. Radiation-processed polysaccharides (RPPs) perform more excellent properties for commercial utilization compared to the conventionally processed polysaccharides. The aim of this chapter is to guide the reader through multiple facets of the natural polysaccharides in terms of classifications, synthesis, characterization and modification techniques.