Microwave-assisted solubilization and solution properties of hyperbranched polysaccharide

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Polymer Science
• Materials Science

Background:

• Water-insoluble polysaccharides present challenges in aqueous applications.
• Beta-d-glucans are a class of polysaccharides with diverse biological activities.
• Pleurotus tuber-regium is a mushroom known for its bioactive compounds.

Purpose of the Study:

• To improve the water solubility of a beta-d-glucan (TM3a) from Pleurotus tuber-regium.
• To characterize the solution properties and molecular conformation of the modified polysaccharide.
• To investigate the effect of microwave treatment on polysaccharide structure and solubility.

Main Methods:

• Microwave irradiation was used to treat the water-insoluble beta-d-glucan (TM3a).
• Size-exclusion chromatography with laser light scattering, viscometry, and dynamic light scattering were employed for solution property analysis.
• Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was used for direct visualization of molecular conformation.

Main Results:

• Microwave treatment (35s at 765W) completely dissolved TM3a in 0.02 wt% aqueous NaN(3).
• Solution properties ([eta], S(2)(z)(1/2), R(h)) were determined as a function of molecular weight (M(w)).
• Analysis indicated a sphere-like conformation for TM3a in aqueous solution, visually confirmed by TEM.

Conclusions:

• Microwave treatment is an effective method for enhancing the water solubility of beta-d-glucans.
• TM3a exhibits a compact, sphere-like structure in dilute aqueous solutions.
• This study provides valuable insights into modifying and characterizing water-insoluble polysaccharides for potential applications.