Abstract
Polysaccharides are complex carbohydrates that can be derived from plants, algae, fungus, and bacteria abundantly in nature as they possess multifunctional properties making them suitable for a wide range of uses. These properties include biocompatibility, biodegradability, and gel-forming and film-forming capabilities of polysaccharide like cellulose, starch, chitosan, and alginate that make the polysaccharides highly favorable for formulation of new materials and products. Biomedical uses of polysaccharides comprise of drug delivery systems, tissue engineering, and wound healing because polysaccharides exhibit features of selective drug release, biocompatibility with living tissues, and cell stimulation. In addition, owing to the antioxidant, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties of their constituents, the compounds may also act as therapeutic entities. Polysaccharides are used to a very large extent in food processing-seasoning, thickening agents, stabilizers, and emulsifiers, extending the shelf life of food products and improving their texture. Moreover, the roles of prebiotics, which they regularly confer on gastrointestinal tract, make them included in the list of functional ingredients for meals targeting overall health and well-being. This chapter focuses on the characteristics, biological effects, and applications of the naturally occurring polysaccharides with reference to the growing interest in biomedical engineering, pharmacology and nutritional science. Furthermore, this chapter covers challenges of isolating, refining, and transforming natural polysaccharides so that it is possible to improve their functional properties for specific applications. Solutions for enhancing solubility, mechanical properties, and bioactivity properties of these biopolymers are discussed, and the information sources on the green approach to fabrication of these materials are described. The potential of application of polysaccharides in many fields owing to their versatile properties and their renewability make them some of the most promising materials that shall pave way for sustainable and innovative ideas in the future.
Access this chapter
Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout
Purchases are for personal use only
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Yu Y, Shen M, Song Q, Xie J. Biological activities and pharmaceutical applications of polysaccharide from natural resources: A review. Carbohydr Polym. 2018;183:91–101.
Mohammed ASA, Naveed M, Jost N. Polysaccharides; classification, chemical properties, and future perspective applications in fields of pharmacology and biological medicine (A review of current applications and upcoming potentialities). J Polym Environ. 2021;29:2359–71.
Yang X, Li A, Li X, Sun L, Guo Y. An overview of classifications, properties of food polysaccharides and their links to applications in improving food textures. Trends Food Sci Technol. 2020;102:1–15.
Torres FG, Troncoso OP, Pisani A, Gatto F, Bardi G. Natural polysaccharide nanomaterials: an overview of their immunological properties. IJMS. 2019;20:5092.
Le XT, Rioux L-E, Turgeon SL. Formation and functional properties of protein–polysaccharide electrostatic hydrogels in comparison to protein or polysaccharide hydrogels. Adv Colloid Interf Sci. 2017;239:127–35.
Li M, Jia X, Yao Q, Zhu F, Huang Y, Zeng X-A. Recent advance for animal-derived polysaccharides in nanomaterials. Food Chem. 2024;459:140208.
Patel AK, Vadrale AP, Singhania RR, Michaud P, Pandey A, Chen S-J, et al. Algal polysaccharides: current status and future prospects. Phytochem Rev. 2023;22:1167–96.
Freitas F, Torres CAV, Araújo D, Farinha I, Pereira JR, Concórdio-Reis P, et al. Advanced microbial polysaccharides. In: Rehm B, Moradali MF, editors. Biopolymers for biomedical and biotechnological applications [internet]. 1st ed. Wiley; 2021. [cited 2025 Feb 3]. pp. 19–62. Available from: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/9783527818310.ch2
Díaz-Montes E. Polysaccharides: sources, characteristics, properties, and their application in biodegradable films. Polysaccharides. 2022;3:480–501.
Moreira JB, Vaz BDS, Cardias BB, Cruz CG, Almeida ACAD, Costa JAV, et al. Microalgae polysaccharides: an alternative source for food production and sustainable agriculture. Polysaccharides. 2022;3:441–57.
Kabir SF, Rahman A, Yeasmin F, Sultana S, Masud RA, Kanak NA, et al. Occurrence, distribution, and structure of natural polysaccharides. Radiation-processed polysaccharides [Internet]. Elsevier. 2022 [cited 2025 Feb 3]. pp. 1–27. Available from: https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/B9780323856720000052
Górska S, Maksymiuk A, Turło J. Selenium-containing polysaccharides—structural diversity, biosynthesis, chemical modifications and biological activity. Appl Sci. 2021;11:3717.
Dumitriu S, editor. Polysaccharides: structural diversity and functional versatility. Second Edition [Internet]. 0 ed. CRC Press; 2004. [cited 2025 Feb 3]. Available from: https://www.taylorfrancis.com/books/9781420030822
Elango B, Shirley CP, Okram GS, Ramesh T, Seralathan K-K, Mathanmohun M. Structural diversity, functional versatility and applications in industrial, environmental and biomedical sciences of polysaccharides and its derivatives—A review. Int J Biol Macromol. 2023;250:126193.
Vaaje-Kolstad G, Forsberg Z, Loose JS, Bissaro B, Eijsink VG. Structural diversity of lytic polysaccharide monooxygenases. Curr Opin Struct Biol. 2017;44:67–76.
Peesapati S, Sajeevan KA, Patel SK, Roy D. Relation between glycosidic linkage, structure and dynamics of α – and β -glucans in water. Biopolymers. 2021;112:e23423.
Chaudhary S, Jain VP, Jaiswar G. The composition of polysaccharides: monosaccharides and binding, group decorating, polysaccharides chains. Innovation in Nano-Polysaccharides for Eco-sustainability [Internet]. Elsevier; 2022 [cited 2025 Feb 3]. p. 83–118. Available from: https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/B9780128234396000052
Chen R, Xu J, Wu W, Wen Y, Lu S, El-Seedi HR, et al. Structure–immunomodulatory activity relationships of dietary polysaccharides. Curr Res Food Sci. 2022;5:1330–41.
Zvyagintseva TN, Usoltseva RV, Shevchenko NM, Surits VV, Imbs TI, Malyarenko OS, et al. Structural diversity of fucoidans and their radioprotective effect. Carbohydr Polym. 2021;273:118551.
Monsan P, Bozonnet S, Albenne C, Joucla G, Willemot R-M, Remaud-Siméon M. Homopolysaccharides from lactic acid bacteria. Int Dairy J. 2001;11:675–85.
Nabot M, Guérin M, Sivakumar D, Remize F, Garcia C. Variability of bacterial Homopolysaccharide production and properties during food processing. Biology. 2022;11:171.
Korakli M, Vogel RF. Structure/function relationship of homopolysaccharide producing glycansucrases and therapeutic potential of their synthesised glycans. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol. 2006;71:790–803.
Joseph TM, Sathian A, Joshy KS, Kar Mahapatra D, Haponiuk JT, Thomas S. Modifications of starch and its characterizations. Handbook of Natural Polymers, Volume 2 [Internet]. Elsevier; 2024 [cited 2025 Feb 3]. p. 23–48. Available from: https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/B9780323998567000240
Holtekjølen AK, Uhlen AK, Bråthen E, Sahlstrøm S, Knutsen SH. Contents of starch and non-starch polysaccharides in barley varieties of different origin. Food Chem. 2006;94:348–58.
Li J, Goddard-Borger ED, Raji O, Saxena H, Solhi L, Mathieu Y, et al. Chitin-active lytic polysaccharide monooxygenases are rare in Cellulomonas species. Kelly RM, editor. Appl Environ Microbiol. 2022;88:e00968–22.
Kalidas C, Sangaranarayanan MV. Carbohydrates, their reactions, thermochemistry and energetics. Biophys Chem [Internet]. Cham: Springer Nature Switzerland; 2023 [cited 2025 Feb 3]. pp. 59–85. Available from: https://link.springer.com/10.1007/978-3-031-37682-5_3
De Vuyst L. Heteropolysaccharides from lactic acid bacteria. FEMS Microbiol Rev. 1999;23:153–77.
Li Y, Guo X, Zhong R, Ye C, Chen J. Structure characterization and biological activities evaluation of two hetero-polysaccharides from Lepista nuda: cell antioxidant, anticancer and immune-modulatory activities. Int J Biol Macromol. 2023;244:125204.
Hussain A, Zia KM, Tabasum S, Noreen A, Ali M, Iqbal R, et al. Blends and composites of exopolysaccharides; properties and applications: a review. Int J Biol Macromol. 2017;94:10–27.
Buckley C, Murphy EJ, Montgomery TR, Major I. Hyaluronic acid: A review of the drug delivery capabilities of this naturally occurring polysaccharide. Polymers. 2022;14:3442.
Sudha PN, Rose MH. Beneficial effects of hyaluronic acid. Advances in food and nutrition research [Internet]. Elsevier; 2014 [cited 2025 Feb 3]. p. 137–76. Available from: https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/B9780128002698000099
Rodén L, Ananth S, Campbell P, Curenton T, Ekborg G, Manzella S, et al. Heparin — an Introduction. In: Lane DA, Björk I, Lindahl U, editors. Heparin and Related Polysaccharides [Internet]. Boston, MA: Springer US; 1992 [cited 2025 Feb 3]. pp. 1–20. Available from: http://link.springer.com/10.1007/978-1-4899-2444-5_1
Saravanan R. Isolation of low-molecular-weight heparin/Heparan sulfate from marine sources. Advances in Food and Nutrition Research [Internet] Elsevier; 2014 [cited 2025 Feb 3]. pp. 45–60. Available from: https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/B9780128002698000038
Demeter F, Peleskei Z, Kútvölgyi K, Rusznyák Á, Fenyvesi F, Kajtár R, et al. Synthesis and biological profiling of seven heparin and Heparan Sulphate analogue Trisaccharides. Biomol Ther. 2024;14:1052.
Montilla A, Muñoz-Almagro N, Villamiel M. A new approach of functional pectin and pectic oligosaccharides: role as antioxidant and antiinflammatory compounds. Current Advances for Development of Functional Foods Modulating Inflammation and Oxidative Stress [Internet]. Elsevier; 2022 [cited 2025 Feb 3]. p. 105–20. Available from: https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/B9780128234822000261
Spiridon I, Popa VI. Hemicelluloses: major sources, properties and applications. Monomers, polymers and composites from renewable resources [Internet]. Elsevier; 2008 [cited 2025 Feb 3]. p. 289–304. Available from: https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/B9780080453163000132
Gao Y, Guo M, Wang D, Zhao D, Wang M. Advances in extraction, purification, structural characteristics and biological activities of hemicelluloses: A review. Int J Biol Macromol. 2023;225:467–83.
Potnis AA, Raghavan PS, Rajaram H. Overview on cyanobacterial exopolysaccharides and biofilms: role in bioremediation. Rev Environ Sci Biotechnol. 2021;20:781–94.
Huang Y, Chen H, Zhang K, Lu Y, Wu Q, Chen J, et al. Extraction, purification, structural characterization, and gut microbiota relationship of polysaccharides: a review. Int J Biol Macromol. 2022;213:967–86.
Wang W, Tan J, Nima L, Sang Y, Cai X, Xue H. Polysaccharides from fungi: a review on their extraction, purification, structural features, and biological activities. Food Chemistry: X. 2022;15:100414.
Luan F, Ji Y, Peng L, Liu Q, Cao H, Yang Y, et al. Extraction, purification, structural characteristics and biological properties of the polysaccharides from Codonopsis pilosula: A review. Carbohydr Polym. 2021;261:117863.
Yang W, Huang G. Extraction methods and activities of natural glucans. Trends Food Sci Technol. 2021;112:50–7.
Nai J, Zhang C, Shao H, Li B, Li H, Gao L, et al. Extraction, structure, pharmacological activities and drug carrier applications of Angelica sinensis polysaccharide. Int J Biol Macromol. 2021;183:2337–53.
Mozammil Hasnain SM, Hasnain MS, Nayak AK. Natural polysaccharides. Natural Polysaccharides in Drug Delivery and Biomedical Applications [Internet]. Elsevier; 2019 [cited 2025 Feb 4]. pp. 1–14. Available from: https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/B9780128170557000017
Tang Y, Xiao Y, Tang Z, Jin W, Wang Y, Chen H, et al. Extraction of polysaccharides from Amaranthus hybridus L. by hot water and analysis of their antioxidant activity. PeerJ. 2019;7:e7149.
Wan C, Jiang H, Tang M-T, Zhou S, Zhou T. Purification, physico-chemical properties and antioxidant activity of polysaccharides from Sargassum fusiforme by hydrogen peroxide/ascorbic acid-assisted extraction. Int J Biol Macromol. 2022;223:490–9.
Shi Y, Zhu A, Shen L. Optimization of acid assisted extraction process of foxtail millet polysaccharides and its antioxidant activity. Int Agrophys. 2020;34:141–9.
Jia Y, Gao X, Xue Z, Wang Y, Lu Y, Zhang M, et al. Characterization, antioxidant activities, and inhibition on α-glucosidase activity of corn silk polysaccharides obtained by different extraction methods. Int J Biol Macromol. 2020;163:1640–8.
Lin L, Zhao L, Deng J, Xiong S, Tang J, Li Y, et al. Enzymatic extraction, purification, and characterization of polysaccharides from Penthorum chinense Pursh : natural antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. Biomed Res Int. 2018;2018:1–13.
Song Y-R, Sung S-K, Jang M, Lim T-G, Cho C-W, Han C-J, et al. Enzyme-assisted extraction, chemical characteristics, and immunostimulatory activity of polysaccharides from Korean ginseng (Panax ginseng Meyer). Int J Biol Macromol. 2018;116:1089–97.
Mena-García A, Ruiz-Matute AI, Soria AC, Sanz ML. Green techniques for extraction of bioactive carbohydrates. TrAC Trends Anal Chem. 2019;119:115612.
Morais ES, Lopes AMDC, Freire MG, Freire CSR, Coutinho JAP, Silvestre AJD. Use of ionic liquids and deep eutectic solvents in polysaccharides dissolution and extraction processes towards sustainable biomass valorization. Molecules. 2020;25:3652.
Sun C, Wang G, Sun J, Yin J, Huang J, Li Z, et al. A new method of extracting Polygonatum sibiricum polysaccharide with antioxidant function: ultrasound-assisted extraction-deep eutectic solvents method. Food Secur. 2023;12:3438.
Wang N, Li Q. Study on extraction and antioxidant activity of polysaccharides from radix Bupleuri by natural deep eutectic solvents combined with ultrasound-assisted enzymolysis. Sustain Chem Pharm. 2022;30:100877.
Gomez L, Tiwari B, Garcia-Vaquero M. Emerging extraction techniques: Microwave-assisted extraction. Sustainable Seaweed Technologies [Internet]. Elsevier; 2020 [cited 2025 Feb 4]. p. 207–24. Available from: https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/B9780128179437000081
Gligor O, Mocan A, Moldovan C, Locatelli M, Crișan G, Ferreira ICFR. Enzyme-assisted extractions of polyphenols—A comprehensive review. Trends Food Sci Technol. 2019;88:302–15.
Magnusson M, Yuen AKL, Zhang R, Wright JT, Taylor RB, Maschmeyer T, et al. A comparative assessment of microwave assisted (MAE) and conventional solid-liquid (SLE) techniques for the extraction of phloroglucinol from brown seaweed. Algal Res. 2017;23:28–36.
Thao My PL, Sung VV, Dat TD, Nam HM, Phong MT, Hieu NH. Ultrasound-assisted extraction of Fucoidan from Vietnamese Brown seaweed Sargassum mcclurei and testing bioactivities of the extract. ChemistrySelect. 2020;5:4371–80.
Santana ÁL, Meireles MAA. Valorization of cereal byproducts with supercritical technology: the case of corn. PRO. 2023;11:289.
Mohan K, Ganesan AR, Ezhilarasi PN, Kondamareddy KK, Rajan DK, Sathishkumar P, et al. Green and eco-friendly approaches for the extraction of chitin and chitosan: A review. Carbohydr Polym. 2022;287:119349.
Turan O, Isci A, Yılmaz MS, Tolun A, Sakiyan O. Microwave-assisted extraction of pectin from orange peel using deep eutectic solvents. Sustain Chem Pharm. 2024;37:101352.
Garcia-Vaquero M, Rajauria G, O’Doherty JV, Sweeney T. Polysaccharides from macroalgae: recent advances, innovative technologies and challenges in extraction and purification. Food Res Int. 2017;99:1011–20.
Tang W, Liu D, Yin J-Y, Nie S-P. Consecutive and progressive purification of food-derived natural polysaccharide: based on material, extraction process and crude polysaccharide. Trends Food Sci Technol. 2020;99:76–87.
Zhang X, Li L, Fung H, Chen N, Shan P, Zhou Y, et al. Critical review of the criterion of polysaccharide purity. Carbohydr Polym. 2025;352:123187.
Xiong Q, Song Z, Hu W, Liang J, Jing Y, He L, et al. Methods of extraction, separation, purification, structural characterization for polysaccharides from aquatic animals and their major pharmacological activities. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr. 2020;60:48–63.
Persin Z, Stana-Kleinschek K, Foster TJ, Van Dam JEG, Boeriu CG, Navard P. Challenges and opportunities in polysaccharides research and technology: the EPNOE views for the next decade in the areas of materials, food and health care. Carbohydr Polym. 2011;84:22–32.
Liao B, Zheng J, Xia C, Chen X, Xu Q, Duan B. The potential, challenges, and prospects of the genus spirulina polysaccharides as future multipurpose biomacromolecules. Int J Biol Macromol. 2023;253:127482.
Zhang P, Tan J, Wang W, Zhang J, Gong H, Xue H. Extraction, separation, purification, chemical characterizations, and biological activities of polysaccharides from Chinese herbal medicine: A review. Starch Stärke. 2022;74:2200114.
Shen Y, Hong S, Singh G, Koppel K, Li Y. Improving functional properties of pea protein through “green” modifications using enzymes and polysaccharides. Food Chem. 2022;385:132687.
Cui SW, Wang Q. Cell wall polysaccharides in cereals: chemical structures and functional properties. Struct Chem. 2009;20:291–7.
Meng X, Luosang D, Meng S, Wang R, Fan W, Liang D, et al. The structural and functional properties of polysaccharide foulants in membrane fouling. Chemosphere. 2021;268:129364.
Cui R, Zhu F. Ultrasound modified polysaccharides: A review of structure, physicochemical properties, biological activities and food applications. Trends Food Sci Technol. 2021;107:491–508.
Wang X, Wang Z, Shen M, Yi C, Yu Q, Chen X, et al. Acetylated polysaccharides: synthesis, physicochemical properties, bioactivities, and food applications. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr. 2024;64:4849–64.
Alba K, Kontogiorgos V. Techniques for the chemical and physicochemical characterization of polysaccharides. Handbook of Hydrocolloids [Internet]. Elsevier; 2021 [cited 2025 Feb 4]. p. 27–74. Available from: https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/B9780128201046000267
Cui SW. Food carbohydrates: chemistry, physical properties, and applications. Hoboken: Taylor and Francis; 2010.
Chen Y, Zhang N, Chen X. Structurally Modified Polysaccharides: Physicochemical Properties, Biological Activities, Structure–Activity Relationship, and Applications. J Agric Food Chem 2024;72:3259–3276.
Yoshida T. Synthesis of polysaccharides having specific biological activities. Prog Polym Sci. 2001;26:379–441.
Ullah S, Khalil AA, Shaukat F, Song Y. Sources, extraction and biomedical properties of polysaccharides. Food Secur. 2019;8:304.
Liu J, Willför S, Xu C. A review of bioactive plant polysaccharides: biological activities, functionalization, and biomedical applications. Bioact Carbohydr Diet Fibre. 2015;5:31–61.
Pereira L. Biological and therapeutic properties of the seaweed polysaccharides. IBR [Internet]. 2018 [cited 2025 Feb 4];2. Available from: https://journals.ke-i.org/index.php/ibr/article/view/1762
Roger O, Colliec-Jouault S, Ratiskol J, Sinquin C, Guezennec J, Fischer AM, et al. Polysaccharide labelling: impact on structural and biological properties. Carbohydr Polym. 2002;50:273–8.
Polysaccharides: properties and applications. Beverly, Massachusetts: Scrivener Publishing. 2021.
Aravamudhan A, Ramos DM, Nada AA, Kumbar SG. Natural polymers. Natural and synthetic biomedical polymers [Internet]. Elsevier; 2014 [cited 2025 Feb 4]. pp. 67–89. Available from: https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/B9780123969835000041
Arab K, Ghanbarzadeh B, Karimi S, Ebrahimi B, Hosseini M. Gelling and rheological properties of a polysaccharide extracted from Ocimum album L. seed. Int J Biol Macromol. 2023;246:125603.
Dimopoulou M, Alba K, Sims IM, Kontogiorgos V. Structure and rheology of pectic polysaccharides from baobab fruit and leaves. Carbohydr Polym. 2021;273:118540.
Mikušová V, Ferková J, Žigrayová D, Krchňák D, Mikuš P. Comparative study of polysaccharide-based hydrogels: rheological and texture properties and ibuprofen release. Gels. 2022;8:168.
Muthukumar J, Chidambaram R, Sukumaran S. Sulfated polysaccharides and its commercial applications in food industries—A review. J Food Sci Technol. 2021;58:2453–66.
Xie L, Shen M, Wang Z, Xie J. Structure, function and food applications of carboxymethylated polysaccharides: A comprehensive review. Trends Food Sci Technol. 2021;118:539–57.
Bilal M, Gul I, Basharat A, Qamar SA. Polysaccharides-based bio-nanostructures and their potential food applications. Int J Biol Macromol. 2021;176:540–57.
Manzoor A, Dar AH, Pandey VK, Shams R, Khan S, Panesar PS, et al. Recent insights into polysaccharide-based hydrogels and their potential applications in food sector: a review. Int J Biol Macromol. 2022;213:987–1006.
Roy S, Malik B, Chawla R, Bora S, Ghosh T, Santhosh R, et al. Biocompatible film based on protein/polysaccharides combination for food packaging applications: a comprehensive review. Int J Biol Macromol. 2024;278:134658.
Costa JAV, Lucas BF, Alvarenga AGP, Moreira JB, De Morais MG. Microalgae polysaccharides: an overview of production, characterization, and potential applications. Polysaccharides. 2021;2:759–72.
Wang Z, Wang L, Yu X, Wang X, Zheng Y, Hu X, et al. Effect of polysaccharide addition on food physical properties: A review. Food Chem. 2024;431:137099.
Zhu F. Polysaccharide based films and coatings for food packaging: effect of added polyphenols. Food Chem. 2021;359:129871.
Nasrollahzadeh M. Biopolymer-based metal nanoparticle chemistry for sustainable applications: volume 2: applications. Amsterdam, Netherlands: Elsevier; 2021.
Patel AR, Baldi A, Verma DK, Sandhu KS, Garcia S, editors. Biotechnical processing in the food industry: new methods, techniques, and applications. Boca Raton, FL, USA Abingdon, Oxon, UK: CRC Press; 2021.
Khodadadi Yazdi M, Seidi F, Hejna A, Zarrintaj P, Rabiee N, Kucinska-Lipka J, et al. Tailor-made polysaccharides for biomedical applications. ACS Appl Bio Mater. 2024;7:4193–230.
Schuerch C. Biomedical Applications of Polysaccharides. In: Gebelein CG, Carraher CE, editors. Bioactive Polymeric Systems [Internet]. Boston, MA: Springer US; 1985 [cited 2025 Feb 4]. p. 365–86. Available from: http://link.springer.com/10.1007/978-1-4757-0405-1_14
Nayak AK, Hasnain MS, editors. Natural polysaccharides in drug delivery and biomedical applications. London: Academic, an Imprint of Elsevier; 2019.
Priya S, Batra U, R.N. S, Sharma S, Chaurasiya A, Singhvi G. Polysaccharide-based nanofibers for pharmaceutical and biomedical applications: A review. Int J Biol Macromol. 2022;218:209–24.
Arokiarajan MS, Thirunavukkarasu R, Joseph J, Ekaterina O, Aruni W. Advance research in biomedical applications on marine sulfated polysaccharide. Int J Biol Macromol. 2022;194:870–81.
Jabeen N, Atif M. Polysaccharides based biopolymers for biomedical applications: A review. Polymers Adv Techs. 2024;35:e6203.
Tchobanian A, Van Oosterwyck H, Fardim P. Polysaccharides for tissue engineering: current landscape and future prospects. Carbohydr Polym. 2019;205:601–25.
Nayak AK, Ahmed SA, Tabish M, Hasnain MS. Natural polysaccharides in tissue engineering applications. Natural Polysaccharides in Drug Delivery and Biomedical Applications [Internet] Elsevier; 2019 [cited 2025 Feb 4]. p. 531–548. Available from: https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/B9780128170557000236
Rajalekshmy GP, Lekshmi Devi L, Joseph J, Rekha MR. An overview on the potential biomedical applications of polysaccharides. Functional Polysaccharides for Biomedical Applications [Internet] Elsevier; 2019 [cited 2025 Feb 4]. pp. 33–94. Available from: https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/B9780081025550000029
Maiti S, Jana S. Functional polysaccharides for biomedical applications. Duxford: Woodhead publishing; 2019.
Shariatinia Z. Pharmaceutical applications of natural polysaccharides. Natural Polysaccharides in Drug Delivery and Biomedical Applications [Internet]. Elsevier; 2019 [cited 2025 Feb 4]. pp. 15–57. Available from: https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/B9780128170557000029
Iacob A-T, Drăgan M, Ionescu O-M, Profire L, Ficai A, Andronescu E, et al. An overview of biopolymeric electrospun nanofibers based on polysaccharides for wound healing management. Pharmaceutics. 2020;12:983.
Nosrati H, Khodaei M, Alizadeh Z, Banitalebi-Dehkordi M. Cationic, anionic and neutral polysaccharides for skin tissue engineering and wound healing applications. Int J Biol Macromol. 2021;192:298–322.
Ahsan H. The significance of complex polysaccharides in personal care formulations. J Carbohydr Chem. 2019;38:213–33.
Savary G, Grisel M, Picard C. Cosmetics and Personal Care Products. In: Olatunji O, editor. Natural Polymers [Internet]. Cham: Springer International Publishing; 2016 [cited 2025 Feb 5]. pp. 219–61. Available from: http://link.springer.com/10.1007/978-3-319-26414-1_8
Semenzato A, Costantini A, Baratto G. Green polymers in personal care products: rheological properties of tamarind seed polysaccharide. Cosmetics. 2014;2:1–10.
Yao Y, Xu B. Skin health promoting effects of natural polysaccharides and their potential application in the cosmetic industry. Polysaccharides. 2022;3:818–30.
Albuquerque PBS, De Oliveira WF, Dos Santos Silva PM, Dos Santos Correia MT, Kennedy JF, Coelho LCBB. Skincare application of medicinal plant polysaccharides — A review. Carbohydr Polym. 2022;277:118824.
De Oliveira AC, Morocho-Jácome AL, De Castro Lima CR, Marques GA, De Oliveira Bispo M, De Barros AB, et al. Cosmetics applications. Microalgae [Internet] Elsevier; 2021 [cited 2025 Feb 5]. p. 313–338. Available from: https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/B9780128212189000104
Wu Q, Cheng N, Fang D, Wang H, Rahman F-U, Hao H, et al. Recent advances on application of polysaccharides in cosmetics. J Dermatl Sci Cosmetic Technol. 2024;1:100004.
Tafuro G, Costantini A, Baratto G, Francescato S, Busata L, Semenzato A. Characterization of Polysaccharidic associations for cosmetic use: rheology and texture analysis. Cosmetics. 2021;8:62.
Goddard ED. Principles of polymer science and technology in cosmetics and personal care. Milton: Taylor & Francis Group; 1999.
Arora S, Singh D, Rajput A, Bhatia A, Kumar A, Kaur H, et al. Plant-based polysaccharides and their health functions. FFHD. 2021;11:179.
Resende DISP, Ferreira M, Magalhães C, Sousa Lobo JM, Sousa E, Almeida IF. Trends in the use of marine ingredients in anti-aging cosmetics. Algal Res. 2021;55:102273.
Balkrishna A, Agarwal V, Kumar G, Gupta AK. Applications of bacterial polysaccharides with special reference to the cosmetic industry. In: Singh J, Sharma D, Kumar G, Sharma NR, (eds). Microbial Bioprospecting for Sustainable Development [Internet]. Singapore: Springer Singapore; 2018 [cited 2025 Feb 5]. pp. 189–202. Available from: http://link.springer.com/10.1007/978-981-13-0053-0_9
Plucinski A, Lyu Z, Schmidt BVKJ. Polysaccharide nanoparticles: from fabrication to applications. J Mater Chem B. 2021;9:7030–62.
Juncan AM, Moisă DG, Santini A, Morgovan C, Rus L-L, Vonica-Țincu AL, et al. Advantages of hyaluronic acid and its combination with other bioactive ingredients in cosmeceuticals. Molecules. 2021;26:4429.
Kanlayavattanakul M, Lourith N. Natural Polysaccharides for Skin Care. In: Oliveira J, Radhouani H, Reis RL (eds). Polysaccharides of Microbial Origin [Internet]. Cham: Springer International Publishing; 2021 [cited 2025 Feb 5]. pp. 1–23. Available from: https://link.springer.com/10.1007/978-3-030-35734-4_46-1
Baptista S, Freitas F. Bacterial polysaccharides: cosmetic applications. In: Oliveira J, Radhouani H, Reis RL, editors. Polysaccharides of microbial origin [internet]. Cham: Springer International Publishing; 2021 [cited 2025 Feb 5]. pp. 1–42. Available from: https://link.springer.com/10.1007/978-3-030-35734-4_45-1.
Guzmán E, Ortega F, Rubio RG. Chitosan: A promising multifunctional cosmetic ingredient for skin and hair care. Cosmetics. 2022;9:99.
Gawade RP, Chinke SL, Alegaonkar PS. Polymers in cosmetics. Polymer science and innovative applications [Internet]. Elsevier; 2020 [cited 2025 Feb 5]. pp. 545–65. Available from: https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/B9780128168080000172
Shafie MH, Kamal ML, Zulkiflee FF, Hasan S, Uyup NH, Abdullah S, et al. Application of carrageenan extract from red seaweed (Rhodophyta) in cosmetic products: a review. J Indian Chem Soc. 2022;99:100613.
Sousa P, Tavares-Valente D, Amorim M, Azevedo-Silva J, Pintado M, Fernandes J. Β-Glucan extracts as high-value multifunctional ingredients for skin health: a review. Carbohydr Polym. 2023;322:121329.
Sadgrove NJ, Simmonds MSJ. Pharmacodynamics of Aloe vera and acemannan in therapeutic applications for skin, digestion, and immunomodulation. Phytother Res. 2021;35:6572–84.
Yuan M, Wang J, Geng L, Wu N, Yang Y, Zhang Q. A review: structure, bioactivity and potential application of algal polysaccharides in skin aging care and therapy. Int J Biol Macromol. 2024;272:132846.
Madni A, Khalid A, Wahid F, Ayub H, Khan R, Kousar R. Preparation and applications of guar gum composites in biomedical, pharmaceutical, food, and cosmetics industries. CNANO. 2021;17:365–79.
Raza ZA, Munim SA, Ayub A. Recent developments in polysaccharide-based electrospun nanofibers for environmental applications. Carbohydr Res. 2021;510:108443.
Souza MAD, Vilas-Boas IT, Leite-da-Silva JM, Abrahão PDN, Teixeira-Costa BE, Veiga-Junior VF. Polysaccharides in agro-industrial biomass residues polysaccharides. 2022;3:95–120.
Orejuela-Escobar L, Gualle A, Ochoa-Herrera V, Philippidis GP. Prospects of microalgae for biomaterial production and environmental applications at biorefineries. Sustain For. 2021;13:3063.
Gamage A, Thiviya P, Liyanapathiranage A, Wasana MLD, Jayakodi Y, Bandara A, et al. Polysaccharide-based bioplastics: eco-friendly and sustainable solutions for packaging. J Compos Sci. 2024;8:413.
Aleksanyan KV. Polysaccharides for biodegradable packaging materials: past, present, and future (brief review). Polymers. 2023;15:451.
Wang Z, Xu C, Qi L, Chen C. Chemical modification of polysaccharides for sustainable bioplastics. Trends Chem. 2024;6:314–31.
Reichert CL, Bugnicourt E, Coltelli M-B, Cinelli P, Lazzeri A, Canesi I, et al. Bio-based packaging: materials, modifications. Indus Appl Sustai Polymers. 2020;12:1558.
Zhao X, Wang Y, Chen X, Yu X, Li W, Zhang S, et al. Sustainable bioplastics derived from renewable natural resources for food packaging. Matter. 2023;6:97–127.
Martins BA, De Albuquerque PBS, De Souza MP. Bio-based films and coatings: sustainable polysaccharide packaging alternatives for the food industry. J Polym Environ. 2022;30:4023–39.
Bochek AM. Prospects for use of polysaccharides of different origin and environmental problems in processing them. Fibre Chem. 2008;40:192–7.
Maciel JV, Durigon AMM, Souza MM, Quadrado RFN, Fajardo AR, Dias D. Polysaccharides derived from natural sources applied to the development of chemically modified electrodes for environmental applications: a review. Trends Environ Analytical Chem. 2019;22:e00062.
Arias DM, Ortíz-Sánchez E, Okoye PU, Rodríguez-Rangel H, Balbuena Ortega A, Longoria A, et al. A review on cyanobacteria cultivation for carbohydrate-based biofuels: cultivation aspects, polysaccharides accumulation strategies, and biofuels production scenarios. Sci Total Environ. 2021;794:148636.
Picos-Corrales LA, Morales-Burgos AM, Ruelas-Leyva JP, Crini G, García-Armenta E, Jimenez-Lam SA, et al. Chitosan as an outstanding polysaccharide improving health-commodities of humans and environmental protection. Polymers. 2023;15:526.
Bakshi PS, Selvakumar D, Kadirvelu K, Kumar NS. Chitosan as an environment friendly biomaterial—a review on recent modifications and applications. Int J Biol Macromol. 2020;150:1072–83.
Selvaraj S, Chauhan A, Dutta V, Verma R, Rao SK, Radhakrishnan A, et al. A state-of-the-art review on plant-derived cellulose-based green hydrogels and their multifunctional role in advanced biomedical applications. Int J Biol Macromol. 2024;265:130991.
Biranje SS, Sun J, Shi Y, Yu S, Jiao H, Zhang M, et al. Polysaccharide-based hemostats: recent developments, challenges, and future perspectives. Cellulose. 2021;28:8899–937.
Bushra R, Ahmad M, Seidi F, Qurtulen SJ, Jin Y, et al. Polysaccharide-based nanoassemblies: from synthesis methodologies and industrial applications to future prospects. Adv Colloid Interf Sci. 2023;318:102953.
Ali SS, Alsharbaty MHM, Al-Tohamy R, Naji GA, Elsamahy T, Mahmoud YA-G, et al. A review of the fungal polysaccharides as natural biopolymers: current applications and future perspective. Int J Biol Macromol. 2024;273:132986.
Manikandan V, Min SC. Roles of polysaccharides-based nanomaterials in food preservation and extension of shelf-life of food products: a review. Int J Biol Macromol. 2023;252:126381.
Guo Q, Zhang M, Mujumdar AS. Progress of plant-derived non-starch polysaccharides and their challenges and applications in future foods. Comp Rev Food Sci Food Safe. 2024;23:e13361.
Mahendiran B, Muthusamy S, Sampath S, Jaisankar SN, Popat KC, Selvakumar R, et al. Recent trends in natural polysaccharide based bioinks for multiscale 3D printing in tissue regeneration: a review. Int J Biol Macromol. 2021;183:564–88.
Teixeira MC, Lameirinhas NS, Carvalho JPF, Silvestre AJD, Vilela C, Freire CSR. A guide to polysaccharide-based hydrogel bioinks for 3D bioprinting applications. IJMS. 2022;23:6564.
Kaith A, Jain N, Kaul S, Nagaich U. Polysaccharide-infused bio-fabrication: advancements in 3D bioprinting for tissue engineering and bone regeneration. Materials Today Commun. 2024;40:109429.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Editor information
Editors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
Copyright information
© 2025 The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd.
About this chapter
Cite this chapter
Minocha, N. (2025). Polysaccharides from Natural Sources: Functional Properties and Applications. In: S, J., Vinchurkar, K., Suryawanshi, M., Mane, S. (eds) Innovative Pharmaceutical Excipients: Natural Sources. Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-96-7959-1_6
Download citation
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-96-7959-1_6
Published:
Publisher Name: Springer, Singapore
Print ISBN: 978-981-96-7958-4
Online ISBN: 978-981-96-7959-1
eBook Packages: Biomedical and Life SciencesBiomedical and Life Sciences (R0)