Fractionation and characterization of gum from Acacia tortuosa. Effect of enzymatic and alkaline treatments

The polysaccharide from Acacia tortuosa (Gummiferae ssp) has been characterized using size exclusion chromatography (SEC) with multiangle laser light scattering (MALLS). Comparison of the elution profile of the native gum with those exhibited by the gum after basic and enzymatic hydrolyses showed interesting modifications. Four distinct populations have been observed. The polysaccharide consists of a mixture of arabinogalactan (AG) and a complex arabinogalactan-protein (AGP)as has been reported for Acacia Senegal gum (Arabic gum).