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Galactomannans are versatile macromolecules with broad industrial potential. The influence of changes in the chemical structures and respective bioactivities of these polysaccharides have been extensively studied. The derivatives obtained by sulfation, complexation, and phosphorylation are the most studied biological properties in galactomannans. The derivatives obtained have shown several pharmacological activities such as antiviral, antimicrobial, anticoagulant, fibrinolytic, chemopreventive, anticancer, antioxidant, chondroprotective, analgesic, immunomodulatory, and antileishmanial. Considering the relevance of these studies, we aim to provide an overview of studies that apply galactomannan modification or derivatization strategies to improve their properties for applications in the biomedical area. We identified the success of most modified galactomannans for pharmacological purposes. However, some studies found loss of bioactivity of the original polysaccharide after chemical changes to its original structures.

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The present work aimed to characterize the exopolysaccharide obtained from water kefir grains (EPSwk), a symbiotic association of probiotic microorganisms. New findings of the technological, mechanical, and biological properties of the sample were studied. The EPSwk polymer presented an Mw of 6.35 × 105 Da. The biopolymer also showed microcrystalline structure and characteristic thermal stability with maximum thermal degradation at 250 °C. The analysis of the monosaccharides of the EPSwk by gas chromatography demonstrated that the material is composed of glucose units (98 mol%). Additionally, EPSwk exhibited excellent emulsifying properties, film-forming ability, a low photodegradation rate (3.8%), and good mucoadhesive properties (adhesion Fmax of 1.065 N). EPSwk presented cytocompatibility and antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. The results of this study expand the potential application of the exopolysaccharide from water kefir as a potential clean-label raw material for pharmaceutical, biomedical, and cosmetic applications.

Biopolymers are widely distributed in nature and have a wide variety of biological properties and applications. Chia (Salvia hispanica L.) is an herbaceous plant that belongs to the Lamiaceae family, which when in contact with water exude the fraction of soluble fiber in the form of mucilage. In view of the above, this study aims to provide an overview of the characteristics and applications of chia mucilage that make it a biopolymer of industrial interest. The data collection was carried out in the databases: SciELO (Scientific Electronic Library Online), Science Direct, MDPI, Wiley Online Library, Springer and Periodical capes using the following descriptors: “Chia Seed Mucilage”, “Technological Properties”, “Biological Activities”, and “Applications” in alone and in association. After the critical analysis of the selected articles, it was possible to conclude that the chia mucilage has numerous and unique physical-chemical, chemical and technological properties. Applications in the food field are among the most used in view of the industrial perspective. However, the infinite potential that this biomaterial has for the pharmaceutical and agricultural industries is undeniable.