Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 25, 2025

Structural Characterization of Mannan Cell Wall Polysaccharides in Plants Using PACE
Published on: October 16, 2017
Chemical Modification, Characterization, and Activity Changes of Land Plant Polysaccharides: A Review
Zhi-Wei Li1, Zhu-Mei Du1, Ya-Wen Wang1
1College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China.
Abstract:
Plant polysaccharides are widely found in nature and have a variety of biological activities, including immunomodulatory, antioxidative, and antitumoral. Due to their low toxicity and easy absorption, they are widely used in the health food and pharmaceutical industries. However, low activity hinders the wide application. Chemical modification is an important method to improve plant polysaccharides' physical and chemical properties. Through chemical modification, the antioxidant and immunomodulatory abilities of polysaccharides were significantly improved. Some polysaccharides with poor water solubility also significantly improved their water solubility after modification. Chemical modification of plant polysaccharides has become an important research direction. Research on the modification of plant polysaccharides is currently increasing, but a review of the various modification studies is absent. This paper reviews the research progress of chemical modification (sulfation, phosphorylation, acetylation, selenization, and carboxymethylation modification) of land plant polysaccharides (excluding marine plant polysaccharides and fungi plant polysaccharides) during the period of January 2012-June 2022, including the preparation, characterization, and biological activity of modified polysaccharides. This study will provide a basis for the deep application of land plant polysaccharides in food, nutraceuticals, and pharmaceuticals.
Related Concept Videos
Biosynthesis of Polysaccharides
Protein Glycosylation
Glycosylation occurs in...
Cellulose and Pectic Polysaccharides
As a cell matures, its cell wall specializes according to its type. For example, the...
Chemistry of Carbohydrates
Proteoglycans

