論文の公開元へEmerging Functions of Nano-Organized Polysaccharides
概要
Natural polysaccharides, such as cellulose and chitin, possess unique hierarchical nanoarchitectures, e.g., crystalline, fibrous, and needle-like structures, in which each macromolecular component assembles in a regular and organized manner during biosynthesis and/or physicochemical processing. Among the various nano-organized polysaccharides, nanocellulose obtained from plants and bacteria is the most promising natural nanomaterial in practical applications due to its high aspect ratio, high elastic modulus, high transparency, low thermal expansion coefficient, and other fascinating properties. Chitin nanofibers from crabs and shrimps are also expected to produce advanced nanomaterials for cosmetics and biomedical applications. Starch, xylan, and other polysaccharides have recently been studied for novel applications as nanomaterials. Research on and development of natural polysaccharides are classified into two categories: (1) greener alternatives to existing products from ecological and sustainability viewpoints and (2) emerging functional nanomaterials from scientific encounters with the unknown. Both approaches are important for advancing the utilization of natural polysaccharides.
The aim of this Special Issue, entitled Emerging Functions of Nano-Organized Polysaccharides, is to showcase the current challenges involved with new conceptual and functional designs of nano-polysaccharide materials for a diverse range of future applications. The unexpected new functions arising from the inherent nanoarchitectures of natural nano-organized polysaccharides will provide new insights into polysaccharide-driven nanomaterial chemistry and engineering. This Special Issue comprises one review paper and ten research articles. The combination of various natural polysaccharides and unique strategies for functional material design will open up new avenues for the emerging functions of natural nano-polysaccharides.
