Biopolymers 6

Biopolymers represent the most abundant organic compounds in the biosphere and constitute the largest fraction of cells. Seven main classes of biopolymers are distinguished according to their chemical structures. This encyclopedia provides a throughout overview of the occurrence and metabolism of biopolymers. In addition, processes for biotechnological production, isolation from organisms and modification, material properties and technical applications in various areas such as, for example, in daily life products, medicine, pharmacy, the food industry, agriculture, textiles, the chemical industry and the packaging industry are provided. The future perspectives of biopolymers are outlined. Volumes 5 and 6 focus on simple and complex polysaccharides which are synthesized by organisms as storage compounds, cell wall constituents or compounds at the surfaces of cells. Biosynthesis, metabolism, biodegradation, function, properties and applications of these biopolymers are described. Topics included are: Aliginates Alternan Bioemulsan Carrageenan Cellulose Cell Wall Polysaccharides from Fungi Chitin Chitosan Curdlan Dextran Elsinan Emulsan Gellan Glycogen Glycopeptides Seed Gums Hyaluronan Inulin Levan Lipo-polysaccharides and other EPS Peptidoglycans from Archaea and Bacteria Pectin Pullulan Schizophyllan Scleroglucan Succinoglycan Starch Teichoic and Teichuronic Acids Xanthan