Characterization of branched polysaccharides using multiple-detection size separation techniques.

The structure of branched polysaccharides involves a hierarchy of levels, from the constituent sugars, then the branching pattern, up to the macromolecular architecture, and then supramolecular organization. Finding causal relations between this complex structure/architecture and both (bio)synthetic mechanisms and final properties is needed for understanding the functionality of branched polysaccharides, which is important in fields ranging from improved nutrition and health through to papermaking and pharmaceuticals. The structural complexity makes this task especially challenging. This review focuses on the best current means to obtain reliable branch chain and size distributions using size-separation technologies coupled with number-, mass- and molecular-weight-sensitive detectors. Problems with current technologies are also critically appraised.