ABSTRACT
This chapter introduces the physicochemical and biological properties which are decisive for the exploitation of konjac glucomannan (KGM) and its derivates as a biomaterial for drug delivery. KGM is a kind of high molecular weight, water-soluble, nonionic polysaccharide. The molecular weight of KGM can be determined by light scattering, viscosimetry, gel permeation chomatography (GPC), capillary viscometry, photon correlation spectroscopy and GPC coupled with multi angle laser light scattering. There are a number of parameters which affect the glumannan gelation behavior and the properties of the final gel structure. KGM has been modified into various derivatives due to its good biocompatibility and biodegradable activity. KGM has a large number of reactive groups, a wide range of molecular weight and different chemical composition. Polyelectolyte can form polyelectrolyte complexation with oppositely charged polymers by intermolecular electrostatic interaction. Self-assembly is the autonomous organization of components into patterns or structures without human intervention.
