Functionalization of β-glucans as a tool for enhancing biological properties: A scientometric approach

β-glucans are polysaccharides with remarkable biological properties, including antioxidants, anticoagulants, antimicrobials, and immunomodulatory activities. However, their low solubility limits industrial applications, making chemical modification a key strategy to enhance solubility, biocompatibility, and biological performance. This scientometric study analyzed research on the chemical modification of β-glucans from 1986 to 2025, using data from Web of Science, Scopus, and PubMed. After refinement, 321 articles were evaluated through Excel, OriginPro 2025, and CiteSpace software. Results revealed a marked increase in publications and citations over the last decade, with China, Japan, the United States, and Brazil leading in productivity. Carbohydrate Polymers and the International Journal of Biological Macromolecules were the most influential journals in this field. Keyword analysis revealed three developmental stages: an initial phase centered on structural studies, an intermediate phase focused on biomedical applications (including antitumor and anticoagulant properties), and a recent phase emphasizing the antioxidant potential and integration of modified β-glucans in drug delivery and nanotechnology. Despite significant progress, challenges persist regarding the standardization of synthesis, structural characterization, and clinical validation. Strengthening regioselective synthesis, consistent analytical methods, and sustainable approaches is essential to consolidate modified β-glucans as promising biopolymers for pharmaceuticals, functional foods, and biomaterials.