Carbohydrate Polymers: Properties and Applications

Carbohydrates play a key role in numerous biochemical and biological processes, which include cell differentiation and maturation, fertilization, and protein folding and degradation. The carbohydrate polymer branch of study encompasses the potential uses in industrial applications of carbohydrates, such as in food, paper, adhesives, textiles, biorefining, and pharmaceuticals.

This article will focus on the development in the field of carbohydrate binding modular applications in the biotechnological and pharmaceutical fields.

Introduction 

Polysaccharide Polymers

Polysaccharides belong to the class of complex carbohydrates which is made up of numerous monosaccharide units held together by glycosidic bonds. Polysaccharide film formation and its mechanical and chemical properties help find new horizons in pharmaceutical production.

Oligosaccharide Polymers

Furthermore, another class of carbohydrates, oligosaccharides, is making waves in the field of research and development in order to manufacture drugs with nutra-ceutical applications.

Carbohydrate-active enzymes (CAZymes) in Polymer Formation

These enzymes are essential in the manufacturing and breakdown of complex carbohydrates and glyco conjugates. Apart from belonging in the catalytic domain of enzymes, CAZymes also represent a substrate binding module, which is collectively known as carbohydrate binding catalytic domain.

Carbohydrate binding Catalytic Domain

This new domain has its own independent functions and folds in a chemical reaction. Almost 7% of the CAZymes exhibit nearly one carbohydrate binding module. Currently, fifty eight carbohydrate binding modules are extensively being studied. They present a considerable amount of heterogeneity and binding particulars towards crystalline and amorphous polysaccharides.

Carbohydrate binding Modules and Proteins

These carbohydrate binding modules are famous for initiating the activity of enzymes by targeting a prolonged interaction with the substrate. Carbohydrate binding modules are independent of other protein molecules, thus they make for an excellent option for several applications which involve enzyme proteolysis and DNA recombinant technology.

Carbohydrates are relatively an untapped resource in the field of pharmaceutics and drug development due to the extensive technological expertise required for their analysis, complex bond linkages, and intricate chemistries between the molecules.

This is why Watson International, an eminent chemical trading company, has invested time and energy in the research and development of carbohydrate based pharmaceutical drugs to offer an easier diagnostic and therapeutic option for the people. Ailments like tuberculosis and diabetes have shown positive results when treated with carbohydrate based drugs. The company also offers an array of chemical compounds from precious metal catalysts to cosmetics. For further information, please click here to view their products.