Imaging polysaccharides by atomic force microscopy

Abstract

Techniques have been developed for the routine reliable imaging of polysaccharides by atomic force microscopy (AFM). The polysaccharides are deposited from aqueous solution onto the surface of freshly cleaved mica, air dried, and then imaged under alcohols. The rationale behind the development of the methodology is described and data is presented for the bacterial polysaccharides xanthan, acetan, and the plant polysaccharides 1‐carrageenan and pectin. Studies on uncoated polysaccharides have demonstrated the improved resolution achievable when compared to more traditional metal‐coated samples or replicas. For acetan the present methodology has permitted imaging of the helical structure. Finally, in addition to data obtained on individual polysaccharides, AFM images have also been obtained of the network structures formed by κ‐carrageenan and gellan gum. © 1996 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Characterization of the Microstructure of Phase Segregated Amylopectin and β-Lactoglobulin Dry Mixtures

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The nanostructural characterization of strawberry pectins in pectate lyase or polygalacturonase silenced fruits elucidates their role in softening

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Diatom Polysaccharides: Extracellular Production, Isolation and Molecular Characterization

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