Periodate oxidation of polysaccharides for modification of chemical and physical properties

A limited degree (typically 1-20%) of periodate oxidation of polysaccharides may give rise to derivatives with entirely altered chemical and physical properties. Notably, the ring opening caused by periodate leads to the formation of highly flexible 'hinges' in otherwise rather semiflexible or rigid structures. This review highlights selected examples with the main focus on periodate oxidation of alginates, chitosans, hyaluronan, scleroglucan/schizophyllan, and cellulose.