Characterization and Properties of Some Polysaccharides Used as Biomaterials

Abstract

Abstract This paper described three natural or pseudo natural polysaccharides often used as biomaterials. Their development opens a large field of applications taking advantage of their specific properties (renewable, biodegradable, biologically active). They are good thickeners and/or gelling polymers in determined thermodynamic conditions. As many polysaccharides they are rich in OH groups allowing stabilization of H bonds network and giving good film forming properties. The polysaccharides described in this paper are water soluble and have a net charge which allows to form electrostatic complexes which are much developed for biomedical or pharmaceutical applications.