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Aggregation of Modified Glucuronoxylan in Water and DMSO
Chonnipa Palasingh1,2, Ratchawit Janewithayapun2,3, Leide P Cavalcanti4
1Department of Bioproducts and Biosystems, Aalto University, Espoo, Finland.
Biopolymers
|March 17, 2026
Summary
Glucuronoxylans, even when chemically modified, tend to aggregate at the nanoscale. This intrinsic aggregation behavior in glucuronoxylans affects their solubility and processing, regardless of molar mass or solvent environment.
Area of Science:
- Polymer Chemistry
- Materials Science
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Glucuronoxylans exhibit limited aqueous solubility, posing challenges for modification and application.
- Chemical modifications aim to enhance solubility, but aggregation persists even in modified forms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the aggregation behavior of glucuronoxylans with different molar masses and their chemically modified derivatives.
- To understand the influence of solvent choice (water vs. DMSO) on glucuronoxylan aggregation.
Main Methods:
- Small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) was employed to analyze glucuronoxylan dispersions.
- Two glucuronoxylan samples (XS and XM) and their periodate-oxidized/borohydride-reduced derivatives were studied.
Main Results:
- Nanoscale aggregation was observed in all glucuronoxylan dispersions, irrespective of molar mass or visual clarity.
- Glucuronoxylans dispersed in DMSO showed reduced aggregation compared to those in water.
- Solvent effects on dispersibility were dependent on the initial glucuronoxylan composition.
Conclusions:
- Nanoscale aggregation appears to be an intrinsic property of glucuronoxylans.
- This aggregation must be considered during the processing, analysis, modification, and application of these polysaccharides.
