Liqun Yang, Li-Ming Zhang. Polysaccharides and Their Derivatives for Biomedical Applications. In: Handbook of Carbohydrate Polymers: Development, Properties and Applications (edited by Ryouichi Ito and Youta Matsuo Eds). New York: Nova Science Publishers, 2010, pp.693-709 (Invited Book Chapter) (ISBN: 978-1-60876-367-2).

Abstract:

Polysaccharides are one of essential biomacromolecules in nature, which play important roles in life activities. Some of them exhibit various biological activities or have special functions. Moreover, polysaccharides contain reactive groups, such as hydroxyl, amino and carboxylic acid groups. Thus, they may react with some compounds to produce polysaccharide derivatives. Amphiphilic polysaccharide derivatives can selfassemble into stable micelles in aqueous solution, promising as a new carrier for the controlled release of drugs. In order to overcome various barriers which hinder drug delivery, the drug molecules may be conjugated with polysaccharide chains through chemical bonds to form prodrugs. The parent drug can be released through an enzymatic or chemical transformation during the metabolizing process. This article reviews the investigations of bioactive and functional polysaccharides, amphiphlic polysaccharide derivatives and polysaccharide-based prodrugs for biomedical applications.