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Enzymatic modification of schizophyllan.
Timothy D Leathers1, Nongnuch Sutivisedsak, Melinda S Nunnally
1Renewable Product Technology Research Unit, National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research, Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 1815 North University Street, Peoria, IL, 61604, USA, tim.leathers@ars.usda.gov.
Biotechnology Letters
|October 23, 2014
Summary
Researchers developed an enzymatic method to modify the polysaccharide schizophyllan using novel β-endoglucanase enzymes. This process yields modified schizophyllan with reduced molecular weight and viscosity, while preserving its core structure.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Enzymology
- Polymer Science
Background:
- Schizophyllan is a fungal polysaccharide with unique structural properties.
- Novel fungal strains were identified as sources of β-endoglucanase enzymes.
- Enzymatic modification offers a controlled approach to alter polysaccharide characteristics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop an enzymatic method for progressive modification of schizophyllan.
- To characterize the properties of enzymatically modified schizophyllan.
- To explore the potential of using specific fungal β-endoglucanases for polysaccharide engineering.
Main Methods:
- Enzymatic digestion of schizophyllan using β-endoglucanase preparations from Hypocrea nigricans, Penicillium crustosum, and Penicillium simplicissimum.
- Time course analysis of schizophyllan degradation products.
- Permethylation analysis to confirm structural integrity.
- Viscosity measurements and rheological analysis of modified schizophyllan.
Main Results:
- Enzymatic preparations exhibited specific β-glucanase activities ranging from 1.7-4.3 U/mg protein.
- Progressive reduction in schizophyllan molecular weight was achieved, yielding smaller species and oligosaccharides.
- Modified schizophyllan retained its fundamental linkage structure.
- Viscosity profiles were progressively reduced, and all modified forms displayed shear-thinning pseudoplasticity.
Conclusions:
- An effective enzymatic method for modifying schizophyllan was established.
- The process allows for quantitative production of modified schizophyllan without significant loss.
- Modified schizophyllan exhibits altered rheological properties, including reduced viscosity and pseudoplasticity, while maintaining structural integrity.
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