Conformations of Xanthan in Solution: Analysis by Steric Exclusion Chromatography

Abstract

The determination of the radius of gyration and intrinsic viscosity as function of molecular weight for xanthan polysaccharide allows for a better understanding of the conformation of this polymer in solution. The native ordered conformation of xanthan, which corresponds to that obtained during its biosynthesis appears to be a single chain characterized by a persistence length of approximately 400 Å. In contrast, the renatured ordered conformation restored after the first denaturation of the native conformation exhibits behavior suggesting doublestranded conformation as described previously in the literature. In fact, this conformation seems to correspond to a folded xanthan chain.