A novel method is described for the determination of sequential side-chain structures in the complex, high-arabinose polysaccharide of the gum exudate of angico branco (Anadenanthera colubrina), using as basis the structurally similar reducing oligosaccharides present in small quantities. Of the ten detected, eight were characterized as disaccharides (2, 3, and 9), linear trisaccharides (1 and 4), branched pentasaccharides (5 and 6), and a doubly branched heptasaccharide (8). The oligosaccharides are substituents of the polysaccharide, which has a (1→3)-linked β-D-galactopyranosyl main chain, and with two exceptions they had 6-O-substituted galactopyranosyl reducing ends, probably corresponding to its main-chain units. Characterization was effected through their 1D and 2D NMR correlation spectra, which were better resolved and more readily interpretable than those of the polysaccharide. These spectral data were supported by monosaccharide composition and rotation values. Controlled Smith degradations and methylation analyses were carried out when it was necessary. These data were confirmed by field-desorption MS.
polysaccharide, free, gum, Angico branco, Anadenanthera colubrina, reducing oligosaccharides, structural similarity
NCBI PubMed ID: 10573855Publication DOI: 10.1016/S0008-6215(99)00159-7Journal NLM ID: 0043535Publisher: Elsevier
Correspondence: Gorin PAJ
Institutions: Departamento de Análises Clı́nicas, Universidade de Santa Catarina, Caixa Postal 0476, 88040-970, Florianópolis-SC, Brazil, Departamento de Bioquı́mica, Universidade Federal do Paraná, Caixa Postal 19046, 81531-990, Curitiba-PR, Brazil
Methods: 13C NMR, 1H NMR, GC-MS, ESI-MS, acid hydrolysis, Smith degradation, HPLC, periodate oxidation, optical rotation measurement, MALDI-TOF, ROESY, TOCSY, methylation analysis, reduction with NaBH4, PC, HMBC, HMQC, DEPT, COSY