Sugar chains (glycans) are often attached to proteins and lipids and have multiple roles in the organization and function of all organisms. "Essentials of Glycobiology" describes their biogenesis and function and offers a useful gateway to the understanding of glycans.

The complex world of polysaccharides is a compilation of the characteristics of a variety of polysaccharides from plants, animals and microorganisms. The diversity of these polysaccharides arises from the structural variations and the monosaccharide content which is under genetic control. The chemical and physical properties have made them useful in many pharmaceutical, food and industrial applications. These properties of the polysaccharides determine their biological activity and their function in various applications. The role played by polysaccharides in preservation and protection of food, as carriers of nutrients and drugs, their ability to interact with molecules both for efficient delivery as well as improving textures of food colloids and their use as therapeutics are some of the functions discussed.

Written by an academic and industry insider, this book provides an informed study on polysaccharide structural analysis and characterization. Specifically focused on analytical techniques, methodologies, and interpretation of data, featured topics include: monosaccharide composition; methylation analysis; 1D & 2D NMR (Nuclear Magnetic Resonance) and MALDI-TOF- (MS) Mas spectrometry. This book is aimed at advanced undergraduates, academic and industrial researchers and professionals studying or using biobased polymers.

Polysaccharides provides information pertinent to the fundamental aspects of the chemistry of polysaccharides. This book discusses the methods used for the isolation, purification, and structural determination of the various types of polysaccharide. Organized into 14 chapters, this book begins with an overview of the almost universal occurrence of natural macromolecules in living organisms where they form a variety of functions. This text then examines the isolation of polysaccharides, which involves solubilization in aqueous solvents or in dipolar aprotic solvents. Other chapters consider the industrial applications of polysaccharides and of their derivatives. This book discusses as well the procedure for the isolation of wood polysaccharides, which involves the preparation of a holocellulose by the selective solubilization of the lignin. The final chapter deals with the classes of complex natural polymers in which the nature of the linkage of sugar units to other structural units have been established. This book is a valuable resource for biologists.

Bioactive Polysaccharides offers a comprehensive review of the structures and bioactivities of bioactive polysaccharides isolated from traditional herbs, fungi, and seaweeds. It describes and discusses specific topics based on the authors’ rich experience, including extraction technologies, practical techniques required for purification and fractionation, strategies and skills for elucidating the fine structures, in-vitro and in-vivo protocols, and methodologies for evaluating the specific bioactivities, including immune-modulating activities, anti-cancer activities, anti-oxidant activities, and others. This unique book also discusses partial structure-functionality (bioactivities) relationships based on conformational studies. This comprehensive work can be used as a handbook to explore potential applications in foods, pharmaceuticals, and nutraceutical areas for commercial interests. Serves as a comprehensive review on extraction technologies, and as a practical guide for the purification and fractionation of bioactive polysaccharides Brings step-by-step strategies for elucidating the fine structures and molecular characterizations of bioactive polysaccharides Includes detailed experimental design and methodologies for investigation bioactivities using both in-vitro and in-vivo protocols Clarifies how to extract, purify, and fractionate bioactive polysaccharides, also exploring health benefits Useful as a guide to explore the commercial potentials of bioactive polysaccharides as pharmaceuticals, medicine, and functional foods

Polysaccharides in Food is a collection of papers that discusses concepts and advancements related to polysaccharides found in food products. The book is divided into five parts; Part I deals with topics such as the polysaccharides of the plant cell during growth; polysaccharide structure in solutions and gels; and the solvent interactions and solution behavior of carbohydrates. Part II covers the relationship of polysaccharides and enzymes and includes topics such as the enzymic degradation of starches; the hemicellulase group of enzymes; and pectic enzymes. Part III discusses the structure and physiochemical aspects of starch, as well as its use in food. Part IV tackles polysaccharides in food product development, and Part V deals with kinds of polysaccharides and the legislations concerning them. Part VI covers the importance of polysaccharides as the population's energy source as well as its health benefits. The text is recommended for food technicians, nutritionists, and organic chemists who would like to know more about the importance of polysaccharides in food and its future.