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Related Concept Videos

Polymers02:34

Polymers

The word polymer is derived from the Greek words “poly” which means “many” and “mer” which means “parts”. Polymers are long chains of molecules composed of repeating units of smaller molecules, known as monomers. They either occur naturally, such as DNA and proteins, or can be constructed synthetically, like plastics. They have varied structural characteristics, such as linear chains, branched chains, or complex networks, that contribute to the properties that they exhibit. Additionally,...
Polymers02:34

Polymers

The word polymer is derived from the Greek words “poly” which means “many” and “mer” which means “parts”. Polymers are long chains of molecules composed of repeating units of smaller molecules, known as monomers. They either occur naturally, such as DNA and proteins, or can be constructed synthetically, like plastics. They have varied structural characteristics, such as linear chains, branched chains, or complex networks, that contribute to the properties that they exhibit. Additionally,...
Biosynthesis of Polysaccharides01:26

Biosynthesis of Polysaccharides

Polysaccharides such as glycogen and starch are synthesized from nucleoside diphosphate sugars, primarily uridine diphosphate glucose (UDPG) and adenosine diphosphate glucose (ADPG). These activated glucose donors act as key intermediates in carbohydrate metabolism and biosynthesis. UDPG primarily involves glycogen synthesis in animals and many bacteria, while ADPG plays a fundamental role in starch synthesis in plants and certain bacteria.UDPG is formed when glucose-1-phosphate reacts with...
Chemistry of Carbohydrates03:25

Chemistry of Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates are an essential part of the diet in humans and animals. Grains, fruits, and vegetables are natural sources of carbohydrates that provide energy to the body, particularly through glucose, a simple sugar that is a component of starch and an ingredient in many staple foods. The stoichiometric formula (CH2O)n, where n is the number of carbons in the molecule represents carbohydrates. In other words, the ratio of carbon to hydrogen to oxygen is 1:2:1 in carbohydrate molecules. This...
Dehydration Synthesis01:15

Dehydration Synthesis

Dehydration synthesis (also called a condensation reaction) is the chemical process in which two molecules covalently link together to form a new molecule, along with the release of a water molecule. Many physiologically important compounds form by dehydration synthesis reactions, such as complex carbohydrates, proteins, DNA, and RNA.Synthesis of carbohydratesSugar molecules are covalently linked together by dehydration synthesis. During the reaction, the hydroxyl (-OH) group from one reactant...
ATP and Macromolecule Synthesis01:28

ATP and Macromolecule Synthesis

Biological macromolecules are organic compounds, predominantly composed of carbon atoms. The carbon atoms are covalently bonded with hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, and other minor elements. There are four major biological macromolecule classes: carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids.
Most macromolecules are composed of single subunits, or building blocks, called monomers. The monomers combine with each other using covalent bonds to form larger molecules known as polymers.
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High-throughput Synthesis of Carbohydrates and Functionalization of Polyanhydride Nanoparticles
14:37

High-throughput Synthesis of Carbohydrates and Functionalization of Polyanhydride Nanoparticles

Published on: July 6, 2012

Synthetic polymers from readily available monosaccharides.

J A Galbis1, M G García-Martín

  • 1Departamento de Química Orgainica y Farmacéutica, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad de Sevilla, 41071 Sevilla, España. jgalbis@us.es

Topics in Current Chemistry
|June 1, 2011
PubMed
Summary

Researchers are developing biodegradable polymers from abundant natural carbohydrates. These sugar-based monomers offer a sustainable alternative to petroleum-based plastics, reducing environmental pollution.

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Area of Science:

  • Polymer Science
  • Green Chemistry
  • Materials Science

Background:

  • Petroleum-based polymers pose environmental risks due to low degradability.
  • There is a growing need for sustainable and biodegradable polymer alternatives.
  • Natural resources like carbohydrates offer a promising renewable feedstock.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore the potential of sugar-based monomers for synthesizing novel polymers.
  • To develop biodegradable materials as alternatives to conventional plastics.
  • To leverage the unique properties of carbohydrates for advanced material development.

Main Methods:

  • Synthesis of new polymers using readily available chiral sugar monomers.
  • Characterization of the synthesized sugar-based polymers.
  • Evaluation of polymer properties and degradability.

Main Results:

  • Successful synthesis of polymers analogous to technical polymers from sugar-based monomers.
  • Demonstration of the versatility of sugar-based monomers in creating diverse macromolecular structures.
  • Highlighting the potential for high stereochemical diversity in sugar-derived polymers.

Conclusions:

  • Sugar-based monomers are valuable precursors for creating a wide range of biodegradable macromolecular materials.
  • Utilizing carbohydrates offers a sustainable and environmentally friendly approach to polymer production.
  • This research paves the way for novel, eco-conscious polymers derived from natural resources.