Abstract
This paper reviews recent advancements in the field of bioactive plant polysaccharides, and relevant implications for the surface modification of medical devices. A number of complex plant polysaccharides exist, that display, for example, anti-inflammatory activity or specific effects on cultured mammalian cells. Advancements in the separation and purification of complex plant polysaccharides such as pectins, are paving the way for a conscious exploitation of some of these properties. Suitable immobilization methods and preliminary results on biological activity of surface-linked plant pectic polysaccharides are reviewed.
