Functions of Mannan

Mannan is a macromolecular polysaccharide substance, which is made of many monosaccharides chemically bonded together. Mannans are widely present in life and have a variety of important biological functions. There are important links between mannans and immune cell signaling, tumor immunity, and cosmetics. It has been shown that the immunomodulatory effects of mannans are related to the structure of their side chains. In addition, mannans bind to the cell wall, forming basal junctions and differentiating between cells of different species.

Fig.1 The probable structure of mannan. (CD BioGlyco)

Mannan Analysis Service at CD BioGlyco

CD BioGlyco has become proficient in the Analysis of Polysaccharides, and as a result, we offer our clients a comprehensive range of mannan analysis services. These services include but are not limited to:

• Analyze the purity of mannan using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC).
• Analyze the molecular weight and molecular weight distribution of mannan using gel permeation chromatography (GPC).
• Use a scanning electron microscope (SEM) to observe the appearance and shape of mannan particles.
• Determine the conductivity, and salinity of mannan using a conductivity meter.
• Determine the structure of mannan using infrared spectrum (IR), ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), and methylation.

Fig.2 Analysis methods of mannan. (CD BioGlyco)

Publication

Paper Title: Structure and properties of konjac glucomannan / galactoglucomannan nanofiber membrane

Technology: SEM analysis

Journal: Macromol. Res.

Published: 2017

Results: Structure is an important factor in determining the use of nanofiber membranes. Nanofiber membranes' surface morphology showed its basic structure. SEM can be used to observe the surface morphology of microscopic objects more directly, the surface structures of the konjac glucomannan(KGM) and KGM/galactoglucomannan (GGM) nanofiber membranes were observed through SEM (Fig.3).

Fig.3(a) shows that 1.2% KGM nanofiber membrane prepared with KGM spinning solution was heavily tangled, with uneven fiber diameter and severe nanofiber breakage. This observation could be a result of the wet conductive adhesive used and structural collapse after the KGM nanofiber membrane rapidly absorbed water. In Fig.3(b), the KGM/GGM nanofiber membrane (KG1) exhibited a relative uniformity in fiber diameter when the amount of GGM solution added was 10 mL, and the KG1 nanofiber membrane did not dissolve quickly after absorption of water. However, numerous entangled and broken nanofibers were still observed. Fig.3(c) shows that the prepared nanofiber membrane (KG2) significantly reduced fiber entanglement and showed uniformity in fiber diameter, even and fine appearance when the amount of the GGM solution added was 20 mL.

Fig.3 SEM images and nanofiber diameter of (a) KG0, (b) KG1, (c) KG2, and (d) KG3, nanofiber membranes. (Yuan, et al., 2017)

Applications

• Mannan analysis services can be used in the development of food preservatives.
• In the pharmaceutical field, the analysis of mannan can be used in the production research of blood pressure-lowering drugs.
• In the industrial field, the analysis of mannan can be used in the research and development of adhesives.

Advantages

• Our analysis methods are suitable for the production of mannans in large quantities.
• We provide not only mannan structural analysis services but also their purification analysis.
• Our research team is highly efficient and we also provide specific analytical solutions for our clients.

CD BioGlyco has top-notch laboratory techniques and is experienced in the analysis of polysaccharides. We provide comprehensive mannan analysis services. If you are interested in our services, please feel free to contact us.