ABSTRACT
Abstract: Many polysaccharide derivatives are widely used in various industrial applications. Derivatives used in biomedical applications, separation technology, slow drug delivery and controlled release formulations are described in this chapter. Cellulose and starch have been the mostly used polysaccharides. However, applications based on polysaccharides such as dextran, agar, carrageenan, chitin and chitosan are also emerging, and some of their applications are listed herein. The merits of polysaccharide derivatives from application point of view are also briey discussed. Discussion on some special derivatives of polysaccharides having anti-tumor and blood anti-coagulant activities for biomedical applications is also a part of the present write-up. Importance of selective modications of polysaccharides to yield tailor-made derivatives and the applications of polysaccharides are discussed.
