Supramolecular wrapping by beta-(1→3)-D-Glucans toward polysaccharide-based functional materials

We will review our recent research on the supramolecular wrapping by natural helix-forming polysaccharides, beta-(1→3)-Dglucans, which can form water-soluble one-dimensional composites incorporating hydrophobic polymers. This approach is totally different from conventional approach to construct polymeric nanoarchitctures. Particularly, we would like to highlight a novel self-assembling system of the resultant one-dimensional composites as chiral materials, sensors, and stimuli-responsive materials, and as building blocks toward two- or threedimensional nanoarchitectures. The lineup of these examples will establish that the supramolecular wrapping systems by beta-(1→3)-Dglucans will be a useful tool for creation of huge and diverse hierarchical superstructures.