Synthesis of β-1,3-glucan esters showing nanosphere formation.

Polysaccharide nanoparticles are versatile functional materials used in drug delivery applications. Here we describe a method for the synthesis of β-1,3-glucan esters which show the formation of nanoparticles. Pyridine-soluble β-1,3-glucan formate was first synthesized as an intermediate and then reacted with various anhydrates to yield β-1,3-glucan acetate and hexaonate.