Monitoring Structural Changes in Polysaccharides

This application note presents a technical report on the analysis of structural changes in polysaccharides using size exclusion chromatography (SEC) coupled with multi-angle light scattering (MALS). The focus is on two polysaccharides, pullulan and dextran, which were analyzed to assess their structural differences. The LenS3 MALS detector is highlighted for its ability to provide detailed insights into the molecular weight (MW) and radius of gyration (Rg) of these polysaccharides. The study outlines the experimental conditions, including the use of the EcoSEC Elite GPC system and specific calibration methods. Results indicate that both pullulan and dextran exhibit linear polymer structures at low MW, while dextran demonstrates branching at higher MW. The report discusses the implications of these findings for understanding the physicochemical properties of polysaccharides and their applications in various industries, including food and pharmaceuticals. The conclusion emphasizes the effectiveness of SEC-MALS in elucidating structural characteristics of biopolymers.