Chapter 1:Polysaccharide and Protein Based Aerogels: An Introductory Outlook

Since the conception of aerogels in 1931 by Steven Kistler, they have become an advanced material of interest to scientists around the globe. Over recent years, as with other emerging materials, aerogels have taken a paradigm shift to more bio-based precursors. The underlying theme in this chapter, and in this book in general, comprises of a useful summary of the current progress and topical developments in the study of such bio-based aerogels composed of polysaccharides and proteins.