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Updated: Jun 15, 2026

High-throughput Synthesis of Carbohydrates and Functionalization of Polyanhydride Nanoparticles
Published on: July 6, 2012
Periodate oxidation of polysaccharides for modification of chemical and physical properties
Kåre A Kristiansen1, Antje Potthast, Bjørn E Christensen
1NOBIPOL, Department of Biotechnology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), NO-7491 Trondheim, Norway.
Abstract:
A limited degree (typically 1-20%) of periodate oxidation of polysaccharides may give rise to derivatives with entirely altered chemical and physical properties. Notably, the ring opening caused by periodate leads to the formation of highly flexible 'hinges' in otherwise rather semiflexible or rigid structures. This review highlights selected examples with the main focus on periodate oxidation of alginates, chitosans, hyaluronan, scleroglucan/schizophyllan, and cellulose.
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