Carbohydrate Polymers

• Carbohydrates are polymers of monosaccharides (a.k.a sacchraides). These polymers are called polysaccharides. A polymer is basically a large molecule that can be hydrolyzed into a generic repeating unit
• Carbohydrate polymers are widely used in various industrial applications in foods, pharmaceuticals, textiles, paper, and environmental technology
• Three major carbohydrate polymers are readily obtained from biomass and are commercially available. These polysaccharides are cellulose, starch, and gums.
• Carbohydrates have six major functions within the body: Providing energy and regulation of blood glucose, Sparing the use of proteins for energy, Breakdown of fatty acids and preventing ketosis, Biological recognition processes, Flavor and Sweeteners, Dietary fiber