This book intends to provide an up-to-date introduction to the fascinating field of carbohydrate polymers and their development, properties and applications. The focus of the book is on the basic concepts and recent developments in the field, particularly in the areas of structure, synthesis and processing, characterizations, advanced-state properties, and applications. The book is written for a large readership including university students and researchers from diverse backgrounds such as chemistry, materials science, physics, biological science and engineering. It can be used not only as a text book for both undergraduate and graduate students, but also as a review and reference book for researchers in the polymers, bioengineering, pharmacy, biotechnology and nanotechnology.