Advanced Biophysical Techniques for Polysaccharides Characterization

Book excerpt: Advanced Biophysical Techniques for Polysaccharides Characterization offers a detailed insight into the cutting-edge techniques available for the identification, quantification, characterization and structural analysis of polysaccharides. A wide range of techniques are covered, including scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), optical microscopy, non-linear optical microscopy and spectroscopic techniques like Fourier transform Infrared (FTIR), X ray diffraction, light scattering, and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). Dynamic Nuclear Polarization and TEM techniques are also considered. Various polysaccharides are investigated along with their applications across a range of industries. Each chapter offers a detailed description of the techniques before delving into case studies covering the latest advances. This book provides a one-stop solution to the latest advanced microscopic and spectroscopic techniques for investigating a range of important polysaccharides and is an ideal reference for researchers in the field of biophysics, molecular biology, biochemistry, pharmaceutics, food chemistry and related areas. - Covers a range of biophysical techniques for polysaccharide analysis, including NMR, Dynamic Nuclear Polarization, mass spectrometry approaches, X ray diffraction, light scattering, and TEM techniques - Investigates an array of polysaccharides such as glycogen, xanthan, hyaluronan, and more - Includes an introduction to the sources, types, and benefits of polysaccharide - Considers applications of polysaccharides in various industries, including biomedicine, pharmaceuticals, and the food industry