Interactions between schizophyllan and curdlan molecules in solutions

The polymer–polymer mutual interactions of two structurally similar and bioactive polysaccharides, schizophyllan (SPG) and curdlan (CUD) were investigated by means of intrinsic viscosity measurements. A weak repulsion exists between SPG and CUD molecules in dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) solutions, which might be attributed to the presence of glucosyl side groups on SPG backbone. On the contrary, in 0.25 M aqueous sodium hydroxide (NaOH) solutions, a relatively strong attractive interaction is present and leads to the intermolecular aggregation of SPG and CUD.

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