Offering nearly 7000 references, this title includes coverage of genetic engineering, synthesis of biodegradable polymers, hydrogels, and mucoadhesive polymers, as well as polymers for dermacosmetic treatments, burn and wound dressings, orthopedic surgery, artificial joints, vascular prostheses, and in blood contacting systems.

Outlines fundamental concepts in the structure, function, chemistry, and stability of polysaccharides and reveals analytical techniques and applications impacting the cosmetic, medicinal, chemical, and biochemical industries. This book discusses polysaccharides utilized in medical applications such as polysaccharide-based hydrogels.

Integrates the latest advances in polysaccharide chemistry and structure analysis, with the practical applications of polysaccharides in medicine and pharmacy, highlighting the role of glycoconjugates in basic biological processes and immunology. It also presents recent developments in glycobiology and glycopathology. The work covers bacterial, fungal and cell-wall polysaccharides, microbial and bacterial exopolysaccharides, industrial gums, the biosynthesis of bacterial polysaccharides, and the production of microbial polysaccharides.