By rationally designed modification of polysaccharides and oligosaccharides, we aim to create new materials with precisely tuned properties. 

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Given the diverse functionalities of polysaccharides such as biocompatibility, biodegradability, and the ability to form hydrogels, their modifications open up numerous new applications across various fields, among them biomedical engineering, drug delivery, materials science, and plant science. Polysaccharides, such as cellulose, chitosan, hyaluronic acid, pectin, and alginate, can be chemically modified to enhance their properties.   Through such modifications, polysaccharides can be transformed into smart materials that respond dynamically to environmental changes, or used as directing moiety that drives the active payload to a desired site.

 

Oligosaccharides, having shorter chains of monosaccharides, also present unique advantages for material design. Their lower molecular weight often translates to enhanced mobility and better penetration in biological systems. By nanoscale modification of oligosaccharides, we produce tailored materials that exhibit specific interactions with biological membranes and cells. These interactions are crucial for applications in plant treatment and as drug carriers, enabling the creation of materials that can selectively bind to target molecules and facilitate the transport of bioactive payload.

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Techniques such as esterification, etherification, amidation, amination, imitation, and oxidation allow us to manipulate the hydrophobicity, solubility, structural assembly, and mechanical strength of our materials. As regulations increasingly favor sustainable practices, we develop green synthesis methods for modifications of polysaccharides and oligosaccharides.