Polysaccharides are abundant organic compounds in nature

generally produced by living organisms. They exhibit a large variety of complex chemical structures

conformations and physiological functions

thus receiving more and more concerns nowadays.Among polysaccharides family

β-1

3-glucans are the most extensively studied because of their inherent

strong helix-forming nature which has never been observed for other polysaccharides.Due to remarkable and unique mechanical

electrical

optical and thermal properties

carbon nanotubes have been one of the most promising nanomaterials.Recent studies have also shown that synthetic oligonucleotides are useful in treatment for various incurable diseases.In addition

how to produce a nanofiber structure for conductive polymers and nanoparticles have attracted much attention during the last decade.In the above three research fields

recent investigations have proved that the unique properties of polysaccharides can be utilized. The present paper makes a review of research progress on polysaccharides

especially β-1

3-glucans

mainly focusing on non-covalent modification of carbon nanotubes

targeting delivery of functional nucleotides

inclusion of conductive polymer

being a polymerization vessel and induction of arrangement of nanoparticles.