Fast molecular mass and size characterization of polysaccharides using asymmetrical flow field-flow fractionation-multiangle light scattering

Abstract

Asymmetrical flow field-flow fractionation (asymmetrical flow FFF), connected on-line to multi-angle light scattering detection (MALS) was shown here to be an efficient method for size characterization of pullulan standards and dextrans ranging from 20 000 up to 2 000 000 in molecular mass. The characterization of molecular mass and the molecular mass distribution of these polysaccharides is often complex and may require different methods. Using asymmetrical flow FFF-MALS, information was obtained not only about molecular mass and molecular mass distribution but also about hydrodynamic size as well as radius of gyration and conformation. The analysis time was very short, often below 5 min. It was shown that the pullulan standards have a narrow molecular mass distribution compared to the more polydisperse dextrans. Obtained molecular masses and distributions were in good agreement with data from the manufacturer. The dextrans, especially at high molecular mass, were found to have a more compact structure than the pullulans in both water and 0.1 M NaCl.