Structure, bioactivity and applications of natural hyperbranched polysaccharides

In recent years, hyperbranched polymers, especially the natural hyperbranched polysaccharides (HBPSs), are receiving much attention due to their diverse biological activities and applications. With high degree of branching (DB), HBPSs mainly exist in the form of either a comb-brush shape, dendrimer-like particulate, or globular particle. HBPSs also possess some unique properties, such as high density, large spatial cavities, and numerous terminal functional groups, which distinguish them from other polymers. As a natural biopolymer, HBPS has excellent bioavailability, biocompatibility, and biodegradability, which have versatile applications in the fields of food, medicine, cosmetic, and nanomaterials. In this review, the source and structure of HBPSs from plant, animal, microbial and fungal origins as well as their biological functions and applications are covered, with the aim of further advancing the research of their structure and bioactivity.

Synthesis of hyperbranched polymers and their applications in analytical chemistry

This review focuses primarily on the recent developments in the synthesis of hyperbranched polymers and their application in analytical chemistry.

Synthesis of Hyperbranched Polymer Using Slow Monomer Addition Method

This paper details the synthesis of a well-defined hyperbranched polymer using a slow monomer addition method. The polymerization under slow monomer addition conditions results in a very low monomer concentration actually present in the reaction mixture, and the exclusive reaction of the monomer with the growing polyfunctional macromolecules occurs, resulting in a high molecular weight and a high degree of branching value. Thus, the slow monomer addition is a versatile and preferential method for the controlled synthesis of a well-defined hyperbranched polymer with both a high molecular weight and a high degree of branching value.