## 3 Applications of NMR in polysaccharide Research
### Biomedical Applications  
NMR has been instrumental in studying polysaccharides with biomedical relevance, offering a detailed understanding of their structure-function relationships and guiding therapeutic innovations. Although earlier reviews have given an understanding of the particular uses of NMR in polysaccharide research, our review is different, combining the recent progress in multidimensional NMR, DNP, and computational modeling techniques. This helps to deal with the current challenges and creates new research directions. For example, [PERSON] et al. elucidated the structure of anticoagulant sulfate polysaccharides. They also gained a deeper understanding of how they work and how they interact with coagulation factors [15]. This work demonstrates how NMR can provide insights into the relationship between structural features and biological activity. It also lays the foundation for the development of anticoagulant drugs. [PERSON] et al. described an immunomododulatory polysaccharide that comes from _Candida albicans_, linking its structural motif with the activation of the immune system [53]. This study highlights the role of NMR in identifying the functional domains that help with biological activity, allowing for the reasonable design of immune-boosting therapies. Similarly, a study by [PERSON] et al. demonstrated that NMR can measure the main molecular features of bacterial capsule polysaccharides used in vaccine formulations. Structural data are crucial in ensuring that the vaccine works effectively and is safe [55]. The examples presented highlight the potential of NMR as a valuable tool for understanding the link between polysaccharide structure and its biological functions. NMR has also provided key insights into the relationship between structure and function. NMR facilitates the development of innovative therapeutics and enhances the precision of biomedical applications. [PERSON] et al. demonstrated that a polysaccharide (AERP) extracted from _Astragalus membranacus_ residue significantly improved cognitive dysfunction in diabetic mice. This effect was mediated through modulation of the gut microbiota and enhancement of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), including butyrate, which are known to exert antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects by reducing reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation and improving mitochondrial function. Importantly, NMR spectroscopy played a central role in characterizing AERP. Through \({}^{1}\)H and \({}^{13}\)C NMR, the \(\alpha\)-1,4-glucan backbone and branched arabinogalactan structures were elucidated, revealing key structural features likely responsible for AERP's bioactivity. These findings have highlighted the critical function of NMR in linking structural motifs to antioxidant mechanisms, thereby facilitating the understanding of structure-function relationships in bioactive polysaccharides. In cancer research, [PERSON] et al. used NMR spectroscopy to study brown algae polysaccharides, which have antioxidant and anticancer properties [56]. The ability to understand molecular interactions and dynamic behaviors in these systems has created new methods for the development of cancer treatments based on polysaccharides. \begin{table}
\begin{tabular}{c c c c} \hline \hline
**Field** & **Key Findings** & **Methodology** & **Potential Impact** \\ \hline Food Science & Analysis of polysaccharide interactions in food matrices & \({}^{1}\)H NMR, DOSY & Optimization of texture, stability, and sensory properties \\  & Study of gelation and hydration dynamics & Solid-state NMR, relaxation measurements & Enhanced food product formulation and quality control \\ \hline Environmental & Investigation of microbial exocytosis in biofilms & Solid-state NMR, DNP-enhanced NMR & Development of sustainable bio-film management technologies \\  & Analysis of lignocellulosic degradation in biofuel production & CP/MAS NMR & Advancement in renewable energy technologies \\ \hline \hline \end{tabular}
\end{table} 
Table 3: _Cont._[PERSON] et al.