Review: Periodate oxidation of wood polysaccharides-Modulation of hierarchies

Periodate oxidation of polysaccharides has transitioned from structural analysis into a modification method for engineered materials. This review summarizes the research on this topic. Fibers, fibrils, crystals, and molecules originating from forests that have been subjected to periodate oxidation can be crosslinked with other entities via the generated aldehyde functionality, that can also be oxidized or reduced to carboxyl or alcohol functionality or used as a starting point for further modification. Periodate-oxidized materials can be subjected to thermal transitions that differ from the native cellulose. Oxidation of polysaccharides originating from forests often features oxidation of structures rather than liberated molecules. This leads to changes in macro, micro, and supramolecular assemblies and consequently to alterations in physical properties. This review focuses on these aspects of the modulation of structural hierarchies due to periodate oxidation.

Automated summary

The periodate oxidation of polysaccharides has evolved from structural analysis to a modification method for engineered materials, with potential applications in crosslinking and functional group generation. This process leads to changes in the structural hierarchies and physical properties of materials derived from forests, providing opportunities for further modifications and enhanced functionalities.