The system of galactans of the red seaweed, Kappaphycus alvarezii, with emphasis on its minor constituents

José M. Estevez, Marina Ciancia, Alberto S. Cerezo

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

65 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

The hot-water extract from Kappaphycus alvarezii is composed of 74% of κ-carrageenans, 3% of μ-carrageenans, and 14% of sulfated agarans and dl-hybrid galactans with significant amounts of single stubs. The great tendency to retain Ca 2+ and Mg 2+ was studied. The galactans extracted with hot water from Kappaphycus alvarezii, after previous extraction at room temperature, are mainly composed of κ-carrageenans (∼74%) and μ-carrageenans (∼3%). However, a significant percentage of these galactans (at least 14%) is composed of sulfated agarans and, possibly, agaran-type sulfated dl-hybrid galactans. These agarans are partially substituted on C-2 or C-4 or disubstituted on both positions of the β-d-galactose units and on C-3 or C-2 and C-3 of the α-l-galactose residues with sulfate groups or single stubs of β-d-xylopyranose, d-glucopyranose, and galactose or with d-glucopyranosyl-(1→4)-d- glucopyranose side chains. Significant quantities of 2-O-methyl- and 3-O-methyl-l-galactose units are also present. A great tendency to retain Ca 2+ and Mg 2+, in spite of massive treatments with Na + and K + salts, was observed. The complexation between agarans and agarans - κ-carrageenans through divalent cations and the possible zipper-type carbohydrate - carbohydrate interactions would be two complementary mechanisms of interactions.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)2575-2592
Number of pages18
JournalCarbohydrate Research
Volume339
Issue number15
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 20 Oct 2004
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Agarans
  • Ca - polysaccharide interactions
  • Carrageenans
  • Kappaphycus alvarezii
  • Red seaweed
  • Structure determination
  • Sulfated galactans

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Analytical Chemistry
  • Biochemistry
  • Organic Chemistry

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