ABSTRACT
Polysaccharides, stereoregular polymers of monosaccharides (sugars), are abundant natural polymers (biopolymers), which are widely available, renewable, and inexpensive. Polysaccharides are hydrophilic biopolymers
CONTENTS
6.1 Introduction ................................................................................................ 131 6.2 Preparation of Macroporous Polysaccharide
Gels via Chemical Cross-Linking ........................................................... 134 6.3 Preparation of Macroporous Polysaccharide
Gels via Freeze-Drying ............................................................................. 134 6.4 Preparation of Macroporous Polysaccharide Gels via Freeze-
Extraction (Solvent-Exchange Phase Separation, SEPS) ....................... 137 6.5 Macroporous Polysaccharide Gels Prepared via Compression
Molding/Solvent Casting-Particle Leaching ....................................... 137 6.6 Preparation of Macroporous Polysaccharides via Double
Emulsication Procedure.......................................................................... 139 6.7 In Situ Forming Gels of Polysaccharides ............................................... 139 6.8 Preparation of Polysaccharide Macroporous Gels via
Cryogelation (Polysaccharide Cryogels) ................................................ 140 6.8.1 Physically Cross-Linked Polysaccharide Cryogels ................... 141 6.8.2 Chemically Cross-Linked Polysaccharide Cryogels ................. 144 6.8.3 Macroporous Polysaccharide Cryogels with
Pores up to 200 µm in Size ........................................................... 144 6.8.3.1 Agarose Macroporous Cryogels ................................... 145 6.8.3.2 Alginate Macroporous Cryogels ................................... 147 6.8.3.3 Chitosan Macroporous Cryogels .................................. 148 6.8.3.4 Dextran Macroporous Cryogels .................................... 148
6.9 Conclusion and Future Perspectives ....................................................... 150 References ............................................................................................................. 150
that are characterized by nontoxicity, biodegradability, and high chemical reactivity that allow for their easy modication. Due to their properties and availability, the polysaccharide-based materials nd a wide range of applications in biotechnology and biomedicine [1-4].
