Sulfated modification of polysaccharides: Synthesis, characterization and bioactivities

This paper reviewed the recent research in the sulfated modification of polysaccharides and provided future directions for research in this area. There are many methods for sulfated modification, such as chlorosulfonic acid-pyridine method, concentrated sulfuric acid method, and sulfur trioxide-pyridine method, which could improve anti-coagulant, anti-oxidative, immunoregulation, anti-tumor, and anti-virus activities of polysaccharides. Sulfated modification could change bioactivities of polysaccharides due to their effects on structure characteristics. DS, monosaccharide compositions, replaced position of sulfated groups were considered to contribute to their bioactivities promotion. Further studies are required to explore the application of sulfated polysaccharides in pharmaceutical and food industries.