Structure and Solubility of Polysaccharides

Abstract

Polysaccharides are high molecular weight biopolymers composed of repeated monosaccharide units linked via glycosidic bonds. They are the most abundant biopolymers in nature synthesized via the process of photosynthesis using inorganic carbon source (CO2) and water. Polysaccharides provide both structural and food reserve (energy) values. The natural polysaccharides demonstrate diverse physiological functions that arise due to various structural characteristics. For instance, the inter-linkages (glycosidic) between monosaccharides chains in a biopolymer, like cellulose, is strong enough to enhance immiscibility with water. On the contrary, monosaccharides of the polysaccharide called starch are linked in a unique fashion to make starch water-soluble and digestible. Polysaccharides are mostly non-toxic and hence have been employed for various food, biomedical, and pharmaceutical applications. These applications rely on the solubility of polysaccharides in suitable solvents (e.g. water). This chapter will discuss the interactions occurring between water and polysaccharide molecules as well as the monomer linkages present in it, which influence the polysaccharide dissolution in water.