Fundamental Structure, Composition and Cutting-Edge Applications of Polysaccharides in the Contemporary Context

With the advent of science and technology, study on polysaccharides has become convenient and easier to unravel several potential facts about the biomolecule. The basic architecture of polysaccharides derived from different sources presented distinctive unique features, which improved the understanding that natural polysaccharides not only bear storage properties but also play crucial role as structural element of many systems. The abundance of natural polysaccharides, its versatile nature makes it a saviour molecule for every domain of industries. This approach not only utilizes natural resources but also reduces the burden of wastes. The advent of modern processing technologies has successfully proven that the properties of these polymers can be enhanced and applied in different sectors like health care, food industry and energy sectors. Considering the importance of the situation researchers around the world, especially of European countries has been doing innovative and excellent piece of work in the aforesaid domain. Given the relevance of polysaccharides in the realm of therapeutic activities and biomedical applications, a generic reaction scheme of diverse polysaccharide molecular modifications is reflected. The molecular modification process, which involves chemical, physical, and biological approaches as well as the most important chemical processes, is thoroughly covered. The chapter aims to elaborate on the different natural sources of polysaccharides, basic chemistry and case studies based on the research performed by European researchers and scientists in the domain of polysaccharides.