Abstract
This study aims to evaluate the effects of ultrasonication (US) on the conformational, microstructural, and antioxidant properties of konjac glucomannan (KGM). US treatment with a 20-kHz and 750-W ultrasonic processor at 60% amplitude was applied for partial degradation of KGM with an average molecular weight (MW) of 823.4 kDa. Results indicated that the US treatment caused dramatic reduction in the MW, apparent viscosity, hydrodynamic radius, and z-average mean radius of gyration. The flexibility of chain conformation of native KGM was slightly increased during the US treatment. According to electronic microscopic imaging, the compact, smooth, and orderly fibrous strings formed by KGM were changed to amorphous, porous flakes and globular particles after US treatment. KGM and its US-treated fractions showed moderate radical-scavenging and ferric-reducing antioxidant activity. US degradation of KGM affected these activities either positively or negatively, depending on the US treatment period. In summary, ultrasonic degradation of KGM caused changes in its conformation characteristics, microstructure, and antioxidant activities.
Highlights
Konjac glucomannan (KGM) is a water-soluble polysaccharide originated from the plant tuber of Amorphophallas konjac
The polysaccharide chain of KGM is composed of 1,4-linked β-D-mannopyranose and β-D-glucopyranose backbone with a mannose and glucose molar ratio of 1.4 to 10 [1,2,3,4]
KGM is widely used in pharmaceutical, biotechnological, fine chemical, and other fields because of its excellent biocompatibility and biodegradable activities [5]
Summary
Konjac glucomannan (KGM) is a water-soluble polysaccharide originated from the plant tuber of Amorphophallas konjac. The polysaccharide chain of KGM is composed of 1,4-linked β-D-mannopyranose and β-D-glucopyranose backbone with a mannose and glucose molar ratio of 1.4 to 10 [1,2,3,4]. KGM is widely used in pharmaceutical, biotechnological, fine chemical, and other fields because of its excellent biocompatibility and biodegradable activities [5]. It is recognized as a promising dietary fiber supplement and functional food for gut health, body weight management, and type 2 diabetes treatment [6,7,8,9,10]. Its modifications attracted increasing attention for expanding its functions and applications [11]
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