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Polymers
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Polysaccharides II
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Polysaccharides II

A special issue of Polymers (ISSN 2073-4360). This special issue belongs to the section "Polymer Analysis and Characterization".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 January 2021) | Viewed by 27434

Special Issue Editor

Prof. Dr. Karin Stana Kleinschek

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Institute for Chemistry and Technology of Biobased Systems, Graz University of Technology, 8010 Graz, Austria
Interests: surface modification and characterization of biopolymers, especial polysaccharides and its usability in biomedical applications, biomaterials, 3D bioprinting and new bioinks development, biopolymer composites; laid of the most important technical biopolymers—cellulose, starch and chitosan—among others, in its various forms (including fibers, films, dispersion, particles and chemical derivatives for packaging, construction, or in biomedical applications)

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

In recent years, the potential use of biopolymers among other polysaccharides such as cellulose, starch, chitosan, and their derivatives has increasingly been explored. Polysaccharides are still the biggest class of biopolymers used in the paper and textile industry. The usability of polysaccharides in the production of various advanced materials is becoming more in more important, due to the increased interest for sustainable functional products.

For focused and increased application of the polysaccharides in different biomedical as well as technical fields, research activities such as:

  • Raw PS chemical as well as physical chemical composition evaluation;
  • PS derivatization;
  • PS derivatives’ chemical composition characterization;
  • Structural, submolecular, and morphological identification;
  • Surface functionalization and characterization; and
  • PS processability using modern engineering tolls as 3D printing, nano structures preparations and others

are still needed.

In order to apply polysaccharides as functional polymers in modern industrial applications as in optoelectronics, catalysis, biomaterials, medicine, building materials, water treatment, coatings, and many more, further basic knowledge should be collected, and research activities about their bioassembly, disassembly, and reassembly are needed.

Thus, the aim of the of this Special Issue is to highlight the progress and fundamental aspects of the new synthesis pathways and derivatization routes, characterization, properties, and possible application of polysaccharides and their new derivatives, structures, composites, and nanocomposites in modern material development.

Prof. Karin Stana Kleinschek
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Polymers is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2700 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • Polysaccharides and their derivatives
  • Functionalization
  • PS processing
  • PS Surface modification
  • PS technical application
  • PS medical application

Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

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15 pages, 2376 KiB  
Article
Macromolecular Model of the Pectic Polysaccharides Isolated from the Bark of Norway Spruce (Picea abies)
by Myriam Le Normand, Barbara Rietzler, Francisco Vilaplana and Monica Ek
Polymers 2021, 13(7), 1106; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym13071106 - 31 Mar 2021
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 2299
Abstract
The bark of Norway spruce (Picea abies) contains up to 13% pectins that can be extracted by pressurized hot water, which constitute a valuable renewable resource in second-generation lignocellulosic biorefineries. This article proposes, for the first time, structural molecular models for [...] Read more.
The bark of Norway spruce (Picea abies) contains up to 13% pectins that can be extracted by pressurized hot water, which constitute a valuable renewable resource in second-generation lignocellulosic biorefineries. This article proposes, for the first time, structural molecular models for the pectins present in spruce bark. Pectin fractions of tailored molar masses were obtained by fractionation of the pressurized hot water extract of the inner bark using preparative size-exclusion chromatography. The monosaccharide composition, average molar mass distribution, and the glycosidic linkage patterns were analyzed for each fraction. The pectin fraction with high molecular weight (Mw of 59,000 Da) contained a highly branched RG-I domain, which accounted for 80% of the fraction and was mainly substituted with arabinan and arabinogalactan (type I and II) side chains. On the other hand, the fractions with lower molar masses (Mw = 15,000 and 9000 Da) were enriched with linear homogalacturonan domains, and also branched arabinan populations. The integration of the analytical information from the macromolecular size distributions, domain composition, and branch lengths of each pectin fraction, results in a comprehensive understanding of the macromolecular architecture of the pectins extracted from the bark of Norway spruce. This paves the way for the valorization of spruce bark pectic polymers in targeted applications based on their distinct polymeric structures and properties. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polysaccharides II)
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19 pages, 6955 KiB  
Article
Anticoagulant Activity of Cellulose Nanocrystals from Isora Plant Fibers Assembled on Cellulose and SiO2 Substrates via a Layer-by-Layer Approach
by Tamilselvan Mohan, Cintil Jose Chirayil, Chandran Nagaraj, Matej Bračič, Tobias Alexander Steindorfer, Igor Krupa, Mariam Al Ali Al Maadeed, Rupert Kargl, Sabu Thomas and Karin Stana Kleinschek
Polymers 2021, 13(6), 939; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym13060939 - 18 Mar 2021
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2337
Abstract
In this study, we report the isolation of cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) from Isora plant fibers by sulfuric acid hydrolysis and their assembly on hydrophilic cellulose and silicon-di-oxide (SiO2) surfaces via a layer-by-layer (LBL) deposition method. The isolated CNCs were monodispersed and [...] Read more.
In this study, we report the isolation of cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) from Isora plant fibers by sulfuric acid hydrolysis and their assembly on hydrophilic cellulose and silicon-di-oxide (SiO2) surfaces via a layer-by-layer (LBL) deposition method. The isolated CNCs were monodispersed and exhibited a length of 200–300 nm and a diameter of 10–20 nm, a negative zetapotential (−34–39 mV) over a wide pH range, and high stability in water at various concentrations. The multi-layered structure, adsorbed mass, conformational changes, and anticoagulant activity of sequentially deposited anionic (sulfated) CNCs and cationic polyethyleneimine (PEI) on the surfaces of cellulose and SiO2 by LBL deposition were investigated using a quartz crystal microbalance technique. The organization and surface features (i.e., morphology, thickness, wettability) of CNCs adsorbed on the surfaces of PEI deposited at different ionic strengths (50–300 mM) of sodium chloride were analysed in detail by profilometry layer-thickness, atomic force microscopy and contact angle measurements. Compared to cellulose (control sample), the total coagulation time and plasma deposition were increased and decreased, respectively, for multilayers of PEI/CNCs. This study should provide new possibilities to fabricate and tailor the physicochemical properties of multilayer films from polysaccharide-based nanocrystals for various biomedical applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polysaccharides II)
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12 pages, 2200 KiB  
Article
Different Effects of Albumin and Hydroxyethyl Starch on Low Molecular-Weight Solute Permeation through Sodium Hyaluronic Acid Solution
by Tsuneo Tatara
Polymers 2021, 13(4), 514; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym13040514 - 09 Feb 2021
Viewed by 2898
Abstract
Hyaluronic acid (HA), a high-molecular-weight linear polysaccharide, restricts solute transport through the interstitial space. Albumin and hydroxyethyl starch (HES) solutions are used to correct the decrease of blood volume during surgery, but may leak into the interstitial space under inflammation conditions. Given the [...] Read more.
Hyaluronic acid (HA), a high-molecular-weight linear polysaccharide, restricts solute transport through the interstitial space. Albumin and hydroxyethyl starch (HES) solutions are used to correct the decrease of blood volume during surgery, but may leak into the interstitial space under inflammation conditions. Given the possibility that the structure of HA may be affected by adjacent macromolecules, this study tested whether albumin and HES (Mw 130,000) exert different effects on solute permeation through sodium hyaluronic acid (NaHA: Mw 1.3 × 106) solution. To this end, permeation of Orange G, a synthetic azo dye (Mw 452), into NaHA solutions containing albumin or HES over time was assessed. The amount of time it took for the relative absorbance of Orange G to reach 0.3 (T0.3) was determined in each NaHA solution relative to the reference solution (i.e., colloid solution without NaHA). Relative T0.3 values of albumin were larger than those of HES for 0.1% NaHA solution (3.33 ± 0.69 vs. 1.16 ± 0.08, p = 0.006, n = 3) and 0.2% NaHA solution (1.95 ± 0.32 vs. 0.92 ± 0.27, p = 0.013, n = 3). This finding may help in the selection of an appropriate colloid solution to control drug delivery into the interstitial space of cancer tissue under inflammation conditions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polysaccharides II)
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10 pages, 4576 KiB  
Communication
Interactions and Dissociation Constants of Galactomannan Rendered Cellulose Films with Concavalin A by SPR Spectroscopy
by Pilar Vilaró, Carina Sampl, Gundula Teichert, Werner Schlemmer, Mathias Hobisch, Michael Weissl, Luis Panizzolo, Fernando Ferreira and Stefan Spirk
Polymers 2020, 12(12), 3040; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym12123040 - 18 Dec 2020
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2046
Abstract
Interactions of biomolecules at interfaces are important for a variety of physiological processes. Among these, interactions of lectins with monosaccharides have been investigated extensively in the past, while polysaccharide-lectin interactions have scarcely been investigated. Here, we explore the adsorption of galactomannans (GM) extracted [...] Read more.
Interactions of biomolecules at interfaces are important for a variety of physiological processes. Among these, interactions of lectins with monosaccharides have been investigated extensively in the past, while polysaccharide-lectin interactions have scarcely been investigated. Here, we explore the adsorption of galactomannans (GM) extracted from Prosopis affinis on cellulose thin films determined by a combination of multi-parameter surface plasmon resonance spectroscopy (MP-SPR) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The galactomannan adsorbs spontaneously on the cellulose surfaces forming monolayer type coverage (0.60 ± 0.20 mg·m−2). The interaction of a lectin, Concavalin A (ConA), with these GM rendered cellulose surfaces using MP-SPR has been investigated and the dissociation constant KD (2.1 ± 0.8 × 10−8 M) was determined in a range from 3.4 to 27.3 nM. The experiments revealed that the galactose side chains as well as the mannose reducing end of the GM are weakly interacting with the active sites of the lectins, whereas these interactions are potentially amplified by hydrophobic effects between the non-ionic GM and the lectins, thereby leading to an irreversible adsorption. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polysaccharides II)
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Review

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33 pages, 3534 KiB  
Review
Review of the Most Important Methods of Improving the Processing Properties of Starch toward Non-Food Applications
by Arkadiusz Zarski, Krzysztof Bajer and Janusz Kapuśniak
Polymers 2021, 13(5), 832; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym13050832 - 09 Mar 2021
Cited by 46 | Viewed by 6304
Abstract
Starch is the second most abundantly available natural polymer in the world, after cellulose. If we add its biodegradability and non-toxicity to the natural environment, it becomes a raw material very attractive for the food and non-food industries. However, in the latter case, [...] Read more.
Starch is the second most abundantly available natural polymer in the world, after cellulose. If we add its biodegradability and non-toxicity to the natural environment, it becomes a raw material very attractive for the food and non-food industries. However, in the latter case, mainly due to the high hydrophilicity of starch, it is necessary to carry out many more or less complex operations and processes. One of the fastest growing industries in the last decade is the processing of biodegradable materials for packaging purposes. This is mainly due to awareness of producers and consumers about the dangers of unlimited production and the use of non-degradable petroleum polymers. Therefore, in the present review, an attempt was made to show the possibilities and limitations of using starch as a packaging material. The most important physicochemical features of this biopolymer are discussed, and special attention is paid to more or less environmentally friendly methods of improving its processing properties. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polysaccharides II)
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34 pages, 98949 KiB  
Review
Development of Bio-Inspired Hierarchical Fibres to Tailor the Fibre/Matrix Interphase in (Bio)composites
by Estelle Doineau, Bernard Cathala, Jean-Charles Benezet, Julien Bras and Nicolas Le Moigne
Polymers 2021, 13(5), 804; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym13050804 - 05 Mar 2021
Cited by 15 | Viewed by 3800
Abstract
Several naturally occurring biological systems, such as bones, nacre or wood, display hierarchical architectures with a central role of the nanostructuration that allows reaching amazing properties such as high strength and toughness. Developing such architectures in man-made materials is highly challenging, and recent [...] Read more.
Several naturally occurring biological systems, such as bones, nacre or wood, display hierarchical architectures with a central role of the nanostructuration that allows reaching amazing properties such as high strength and toughness. Developing such architectures in man-made materials is highly challenging, and recent research relies on this concept of hierarchical structures to design high-performance composite materials. This review deals more specifically with the development of hierarchical fibres by the deposition of nano-objects at their surface to tailor the fibre/matrix interphase in (bio)composites. Fully synthetic hierarchical fibre reinforced composites are described, and the potential of hierarchical fibres is discussed for the development of sustainable biocomposite materials with enhanced structural performance. Based on various surface, microstructural and mechanical characterizations, this review highlights that nano-objects coated on natural fibres (carbon nanotubes, ZnO nanowires, nanocelluloses) can improve the load transfer and interfacial adhesion between the matrix and the fibres, and the resulting mechanical performances of biocomposites. Indeed, the surface topography of the fibres is modified with higher roughness and specific surface area, implying increased mechanical interlocking with the matrix. As a result, the interfacial shear strength (IFSS) between fibres and polymer matrices is enhanced, and failure mechanisms can be modified with a crack propagation occurring through a zig-zag path along interphases. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polysaccharides II)
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21 pages, 3158 KiB  
Review
The Application of Polysaccharides and Their Derivatives in Pigment, Barrier, and Functional Paper Coatings
by Qianlong Li, Shanyong Wang, Xuchen Jin, Caoxing Huang and Zhouyang Xiang
Polymers 2020, 12(8), 1837; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym12081837 - 16 Aug 2020
Cited by 35 | Viewed by 6744
Abstract
As one of the most abundant natural polymers in nature, polysaccharides have the potential to replace petroleum-based polymers that are difficult to degrade in paper coatings. Polysaccharide molecules have a large number of hydroxyl groups that can bind strongly with paper fibers through [...] Read more.
As one of the most abundant natural polymers in nature, polysaccharides have the potential to replace petroleum-based polymers that are difficult to degrade in paper coatings. Polysaccharide molecules have a large number of hydroxyl groups that can bind strongly with paper fibers through hydrogen bonds. Chemical modification can also effectively improve the mechanical, barrier, and hydrophobic properties of polysaccharide-based coating layers and thus can further improve the related properties of coated paper. Polysaccharides can also give paper additional functional properties by dispersing and adhering functional fillers, e.g., conductive particles, catalytic particles or antimicrobial chemicals, onto paper surface. Based on these, this paper reviews the application of natural polysaccharides, such as cellulose, hemicellulose, starch, chitosan, and sodium alginate, and their derivatives in paper coatings. This paper analyzes the improvements and influences of chemical structures and properties of polysaccharides on the mechanical, barrier, and hydrophobic properties of coated paper. This paper also summarizes the researches where polysaccharides are used as the adhesives to adhere inorganic or functional fillers onto paper surface to endow paper with great surface properties or special functions such as conductivity, catalytic, antibiotic, and fluorescence. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polysaccharides II)
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