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Synthesis, characterisation and microbial utilisation of amorphous polysugars from lactose
Alison M Daines1, Zlatka Smart1, Ian M Sims1
1The Ferrier Research Institute, Victoria University of Wellington, PO Box 33-436, Petone 5046, New Zealand.
Carbohydrate Polymers
|December 16, 2014
Summary
Researchers explored polymerizing sugars like glucose and galactose using citric acid. Lactose was hydrolyzed and polymerized, showing different bifidobacterial growth than galactooligosaccharides (GOS).
Area of Science:
- Carbohydrate Chemistry
- Polymer Science
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Melt polymerization offers a solvent-free route for carbohydrate modification.
- Understanding sugar polymerization is key to developing novel functional ingredients.
- Lactose, a dairy byproduct, presents an opportunity for valorization.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the melt polymerization of various monosaccharides and disaccharides using citric acid catalysis.
- To characterize the resulting polymers and assess their molecular properties.
- To evaluate the potential of lactose-derived polymers as prebiotics.
Main Methods:
- Melt polymerization of glucose, galactose, xylose, and fucose with citric acid.
- Characterization of polymer molecular weight and branching.
- Microwave-assisted hydrolysis of lactose followed by melt condensation.
- In vitro assessment of bifidobacterial growth on derived polymers.
Main Results:
- Citric acid catalyzed branched polymerization of tested sugars with varying molecular weights.
- Lactose did not polymerize directly but was hydrolyzed and subsequently polymerized.
- Lactose-derived polymers exhibited distinct bifidobacterial growth profiles compared to commercial GOS.
Conclusions:
- Citric acid is an effective catalyst for melt polymerization of various sugars.
- Microwave-assisted hydrolysis and subsequent melt condensation provide a method for lactose valorization.
- Lactose-derived polymers show potential as novel prebiotics with unique functionalities.
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