Application of polysaccharides and their derivatives as supporting materials and auxiliary substances in medicine and nutrition

Given certain peculiarities of polysaccharides in comparison to synthetic polymers, a survey is made of the application of polysaccharides in the field of nutrition for calory-reduced food, in pharmacy, and as auxiliary products in surgery, stressing to some extent recent results of the authors in cellulose and starch chemistry. In dealing with nutritional uses in calory-reduced food, the problem of persorption of cellulose powders is discussed as well as properties and uses of recently developed starch products obtained by partial hydrolysis. In reviewing pharmaceutical uses of polysaccharides, we mention the active therapeutic effects of these substances, with detailed emphasis on the application of starch and cellulose products as carrier compounds. A survey of polysaccharide products as surgical auxiliaries is centered on their application as plasma expanders, as internal surgical dressings, and as external aids (glove powders). Finally, the need for further progress in polysaccharide chemistry is stressed as a prerequisite for finding and realizing new applications in restoring human health.