This brief explores recent progress in the area of polysaccharides and their composites and nanocomposites. It is a complete resource for the evolving field of polysaccharide based biomaterials and their applications in different fields. The volume focuses on their composition, properties, characterization, chemistry and applications and also highlights recent developments in polysaccharide based composites and nanocomposites spurred by advances in polymer technology and biotechnology. Divided into different sections featuring alginates, carrageenans, cellulose, starch, chitin, chitosan, gums, etc, each chapter presents chemical, physical, and biological attributes, and reviews the recent research performed such as drug carriers, selective water absorption materials from oil-water emulsions, purification of water, biomedical applications, etc. The authors hope that this brief will help to inspire scientists towards novel sources for chemicals, materials, and energy in the years to come.

Autorentext

Merin Sara Thomas is an Assistant Professor at Department of Chemistry, Mar Thoma College, Tiruvalla, Kerala, India. Her research interest is in the field of chitosan based bionanocomposites. She has written 3 book chapters in the field of biopolymers. ****

Rekha Rose Koshy is an Assistant Professor at Dept. of Chemistry, Bishop Moore College, Mavelikara, Kerala. India. Her research interests include Soy protein based bionanocomposites. She has published one review article in Food Hydrocolloids and has written over 6 book chapters in the field of various biopolymers.

Siji K Mary is working as an Assistant Professor in the department of Chemistry, Bishop Moore College, Mavelikara, Kerala, India since 2011. Her research area of interest is starch based bionanocomposites. She has written 7 book chapters in the field of biopolymers.

Prof. Dr. Sabu Thomas

Professor Sabu Thomas is currently Pro-Vice Chancellor of Mahatma Gandhi University and the Founder Director and Professor of the International and Interuniversity Centre for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology. He is also a full professor of Polymer Science and Engineering at the School of Chemical Sciences of Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam, Kerala, India. Prof. Thomas is an outstanding leader with sustained international acclaims for his work in Nanoscience, Polymer Science and Engineering, Polymer Nanocomposites, Elastomers, Polymer Blends, Interpenetrating Polymer Networks, Polymer Membranes, Green Composites and Nanocomposites, Nanomedicine and Green Nanotechnology. Professor Thomas received many national and international awards and he published over 800 peer reviewed research papers, reviews and book chapters. He has co-edited 80 books and he is the inventor of 6 patents. Dr. Laly A Pothen

Dr. Laly A. Pothen, former Head of the Department of Chemistry of Bishop Moore College, Mavelikara, Kerala is actively involved in biopolymer and nano research at Nanotechnology Center at Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam, Kerala, India. She has served as an Academic Visitor to the Imperial College, London. She had been a Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry, Emeritus Fellow of UGC, India and had collaborated with University of Chemnitz, Germany, CSIR of South Africa, City University of Hong Kong and leading researchers in the field of Natural Fibres. She holds a patent for Nanofibril synthesis from Natural Fibers and has number of publications to her credit in Natural Fibre Composites, Bionano Composites & Biopolymers.

Inhalt

Introduction.- Processing Techniques.- Properties of composites.- Applications of polysaccharide based composites.- Conclusion.- References.