Chemistry, Biochemistry, and Pharmaceutical Potentials of Glycosaminoglycans and Related Saccharides

Introduction Biological Activities Heparin and Heparan Sulfate Structure and Properties Biosynthesis and Biological Functions Applications of Heparin and Heparan Sulfate Dermatan and Chondroitin Sulfates Structure and Biological Role Therapeutic Applications Dermatan Sulfate Chondroitin Sulfates Hyaluronan Structure and Properties Tissue Distribution and Biosynthesis Functions and Applications Medical Applications Hyaluronic Acid Biomaterials Keratan Sulfate Structure and Distribution Chemistry and Biosynthesis of Linkage Regions Keratan Sulfate on Cartilage Proteoglycans Keratan Sulfate on Corneal Proteoglycans Biological Roles of Keratan Sulfate Role of KS in Macular Corneal Dystrophy Other Acidic Polysaccharides Acharan Sulfate Fucoidins Carrageenans Sulfated Chitins Dextran Sulfate Alginates Fully Synthetic Sulfated Molecules Polymers Small Sulfonated Molecules Pharmaceutical Potential and Challenges GAG-Based Agents Are Heterogenous GAG-Based Agents and Sulfonated Analogues Have Low Bioavailability GAGs Have a Myriad of Biological Activities Carbohydrate-Based Drugs Are Expensive and Difficult to Prepare Conclusion References