GM belongs to the family of Mannans with excellent bioactivity and biocompatibility. Konjac glucomannan (KGM) is found to have good gel-forming ability and biodegradability, which can be widely used for drug delivery. Combination of KGM with other substances can provide protective and healing effects on mucosal surfaces for the treatment of esophageal disorders. GM gel showed a good therapeutic effect on rats with cervicitis. Regulation of MKP-1 expression may be the mechanism of action for its anti-inflammatory effect. Esterified GM can enhance the interaction with different mycotoxins through hydrogen bonding, ionic bonding, and hydrophobic force. So that it can better adsorb or bind mycotoxins. GM can improve the glucose tolerance ability of diabetic rats and has certain antidiabetic effects. Also, GM can modulate intestinal flora disorders and reduce oxidative stress injury in diabetic rats.
CD BioGlyco develops a range of GM analytical services. The molecular weight and conformation of GM from different sources vary considerably. Structural analysis is very important for purification steps and evaluation of biological activity. For this purpose, we develop a set of spectroscopic, chemical, and separation methods. We have state-of-the-art instrumentation including size-exclusion chromatography (SEC), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), etc. GM analyses require the assistance of a variety of methods. We typically combine different approaches to analyze the structure of complex glucans. Our GM assays include but are not limited to the following.
GM is a high molecular weight compound. Its molecular weight, degree of branching, etc., are closely related to its properties and biological activity. They are important indicators for GM quality control. We evaluate the molecular weight distribution, radius of gyration, degree of branching, and characteristic viscosity of GM through SEC and viscometry.
Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS), NMR, etc., are some of the most favorable tools for GM structure analysis. To achieve the analysis purpose, modification of GM and degradation products is required. Chemical modification mainly includes methylation, acetylation, and reductive amination. We develop a series of modification methods for the structural analysis of GM. After applying various reagents to modify GM, we will use NMR, LC-MS, etc., for detailed examination. Our standard mass spectrometry library covers a wide range of glycosidic bond types. We will analyze the glycosidic bonds and anomeric effect in GM from plants, fungi, etc.
Fig.1 Flow of GM analysis. (CD BioGlyco)
Paper Title: Characterization and physicochemical properties analysis of konjac glucomannan: implications for structure-properties relationships
Technology: SEM, high-performance anion-exchange chromatography (HPAEC)
Journal: Food Hydrocolloids
IF: 10.7
Published: 2021
Results: In this study, the structures of several KGMs were analyzed. HPAEC was used to detect the molecular weight, molecular size, and other related parameters of KGM. The surface characteristics of KMG powders were observed by SEM. Randomly distributed sheet-like and flaky surface structures were observed in four samples. It was found that the molecular weight was related to the radius of gyration (Rz) and intrinsic viscosity ([η]). As the molecular weight increases, the Rz and [η] also increase.
Fig.2 Physicochemical properties and structural characterization of KGM. (Guo, et al., 2021)
CD BioGlyco has a wide range of Polysaccharide Analysis Services. We provide analytical services such as the degree of methylation of polysaccharides, the location and distribution of glycosidic bonds, molecular size, the type of branching, etc. Glycogen, Chitosan, etc., can also be analyzed. Please feel free to contact us for a detailed experimental program. We are always ready to serve you.
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