title: Advancements in carbohydrate bioactivity and implications for the surface modification of biomaterials.
abstract: This paper reviews recent advancements in the field of bioactive plant polysaccharides, and relevant implications forthe surface modification of medical devices. A number of complex plant polysaccharides exist, that display, for example, anti-inflammatoryactivity or specific effects on cultured mammalian cells. Advancements in the separation and purification of complex plant polysaccharides such as pectins, are paving the way for a conscious exploitation of some of these properties. Suitable immobilization methods and preliminary results on biological activity of surface-linked plant pectic polysaccharides are reviewed.
authors.affiliation: Nobil Bio Ricerche, Villafranca d'Asti - Italy.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Morra