Triple helix conformation of botryosphaeran, a (1→3;1→6)-β- d-glucan produced by Botryosphaeria rhodina MAMB-05

Abstract

Botryosphaeran, a (1 →3;1 →6)-β- d-glucan produced by Botryosphaeria rhodina MAMB-05, was found to be present in a triple helix conformation from helix–coil transition studies using Congo Red. The triple helix conformation was disrupted at increasing alkali concentrations. Conformational changes were also observed using phenanthrene as a fluorescent probe, and the fluorescence intensity decreased 80% in the presence of dimethyl sulfoxide. The results confirmed the triple helix conformation of botryosphaeran, an important property manifesting biological response modifying activity.